RESIDENTS have been left in the dark over a “serious incident” in Egerton.

Police are believed to have been called to Rock Terrace on Sunday, to the forested area behind the houses.

Residents on Smith Lane, which is just off Rock Terrace, were left wondering what was going on.

It is understood the investigation has been taken off local detectives and placed in the hands of a force-wide unit — indicating the serious nature of the incident.

Police investigating rape in Egerton woodland

One resident said: “There were police here on Sunday and then they came back on Monday, we weren’t told why they were here but it was all cordoned off.

“I thought it was up the Cox Green Quarry, so I’m not too sure about going walking up there.”

It is thought that the pathway which leads to the West Pennine Moors open access land had been cordoned off by officers on Sunday.

Another Smith Lane resident said: “We were told that there had been a serious assault but we haven’t been told anything else.”

One barmaid at a local pub said: “I live in the Cox Green Road and I spoke to a neighbour who was told by police a ‘serious incident’ had happened.”

Greater Manchester Police were unable to provide any more details before The Bolton News went to press.