A WOMAN has been left "traumatised" after being raped in Little Lever.

The 53-year-old woman was by the picnic benches at the end of Boscow Road when she was approached by a man on a bicycle sometime between 1pm and 6.30pm on September 21.

He raped the woman before riding away.

Police, who have praised the victim's "immense bravery", have launched an investigation into the shocking attack and are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Detectives are keen to speak to two women, who were sat near to the benches at the time, to come forward as they may be able to assist in the investigation.

Extra patrols have been dispatched to the area in a bid to track down the attacker and to reassure nearby residents.

Detective Constable Julie McIntosh of GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “The woman has been left traumatised by the attack.

“People will be understandably concerned and I assure you that we have a dedicated team of detectives working to catch the offender and extra officers on patrol in the area.

“We are offering the woman specialist support at this difficult time and she has shown immense bravery in coming forward.

“Help and support will always be there for people who want to come forward and report sexual offences or speak to someone about concerns they may have.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 1127 of 27/09/16, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, you can contact:

- Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.

- St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, which provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.

- Manchester Rape Crisis, a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.

- Survivors Manchester, which offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.