FIVE students reported being raped in Bolton in the space of just three months.

The victims, all women, knew their attackers and police say there was no connection between the incidents, which took place between August and October this year.

Three of the incidents took place after nights out drinking, when the victim went back to a home with the attacker before a complaint of rape was made.

It is not known where the students studied.

The figures have emerged as police issue warnings to the University of Bolton and its student union through a new campaign, 'drinking is not a crime, rape is'.

Police have arrested five men, all aged under 30, in relation to the reports, with all bailed pending the outcome of the investigations.

Student Union president Arthur Kaddu said Bolton is a safe place to study but said students must always be responsible when out drinking in the town.

Police want to educate students that sex without consent is rape, no matter what the circumstances.

Posters will be put up around The University of Bolton and displayed in licensed premises, with messages being reinforced on social media using the hashtag #noconsentnosex.

Det Insp Damian Simpson, who leads rape investigations in Bolton, said 90 per cent of victims are female.

He said just five per cent of incidents in the town were so-called "stranger rapes", where the victim had no previous contact with the attacker.

Between 80 and 90 per cent of rapes across Greater Manchester, meanwhile, involve the consumption of alcohol.

Det Insp Simpson said: “Unfortunately we’ve dealt with many an incident where two young people have met on an alcohol-fuelled night out, one thing has led to another and the next morning we’re arresting somebody for rape.

“It doesn’t matter whether there has been flirting, kissing or you’ve exchanged numbers – sex without consent is rape, and if somebody is too drunk to consent then the best thing for all involved is to assume it has not been given.

“Rape ruins lives for both the victim and perpetrator and you have my absolute word that we will take each report seriously and are committed to bringing offenders to justice, whatever the circumstances may be.”

Mr Kaddu said: "I am entering my fifth year now and I have always found Bolton a safe place to study.

"If you go on nights out you have to be aware of who is around you, where your drink is and do not just take drinks from people you don't know."

A University of Bolton spokesman said: “We are pleased to work with our students’ union and Greater Manchester Police on this initiative and any other which will help build awareness and reduce incidents of crime.”

Police advised anyone who wants to report an incident to call them on 101 or, in an emergency, to dial 999.