BOLTON Parish Church became a crime scene as police investigated reports that a woman was raped in the grounds.

The incident is said to have taken place at 11.30pm on Saturday night, police have confirmed.

Investigators combed the grounds for forensic evidence, with the probe focused on a central path which leads to the church's main entrance from the entry slip road.

The victim, aged in her 20s, who cannot be identified, made the complaint two days later.

She was last night being interviewed and police also reviewed CCTV footage of streets close to the Silverwell Street church.

They are trying to ascertain the extent of what happened to the woman, but confirmed that they have launched a rape enquiry.

Police have not yet established whether or not the attacker was known to the victim.

A police spokesman said: "On Monday, June 29 June, police received a report a woman had been raped at about 11.30pm on Saturday in Churchgate in Bolton.

"Specially trained officers are supporting the woman.

"No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing."

The Parish Church is in the process of installing CCTV cameras and improved security lighting, at the cost of £150,000.

Its warden Cllr John Walsh, for Astley Bridge, said that will be in place within two months and hopefully prevent any recurrences.

He said: "We would prefer not to be in a position to have to do this. but we feel we have to take measures to improve the security of the grounds.

"We are happy to assist the police with their investigation.

"We hope the CCTV will prevent any recurrences of this.

"It is very said that for a church close to the town centre, offering open space for the people of Bolton to enjoy, that this sort of event could take place."

The church is also hoping to receive funding to build new outside perimeter railings to give it a more secure look.

Lamp posts for the new lights have already been built around the path at the centre of the allegation, but are not yet operational.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information should call police on 101.