A 27-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of rape in connection with an attack that is said to have taken place in Bolton town centre on Sunday.

The man has been arrested and bailed in connection with an incident which is alleged to have happened in the grounds of Bolton Parish Church.

Police said they received a report of rape from a 39-year-old woman, who said she had been attacked just before 5.30am on Sunday.

They found the woman in Churchgate, and she told them she had been raped a short time earlier, police said.

An area inside the grounds of the church was cordoned off with police tape near its side entrance in Silverwell Street, and police stood guard at the scene all day on Sunday.

Crime scene investigators and tactical aid unit officers combed the area where the rape is alleged to have taken place.

The man will answer bail on January 6 next year.

Any witnesses are asked to contact police on 0161 8561741 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.