DETECTIVES are investigating an alleged rape in woodland in Egerton at the weekend.
GMP confirmed the serious sexual assault was the reason officers cordoned off an area of forest off Rock Terrace earlier this week.
Locals had been mystified as the cause of the police presence and rumours were spreading about what exactly had happened, ranging from a body being found to a 'serious assault'.
In a statement, GMP said: "At 4pm on Monday June 6, police received a report that a woman had been raped in a wooded area close to Rock Terrace, Egerton, the previous day.
"An investigation has been launched and specially trained offices are providing support to the woman.
"Enquires are ongoing and anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
The investigation is being handled by a force-wide unit rather than by local detectives, indicating the gravity of the alleged offence.
It is understood a footpath leads from Rock Terrace through the woodland to the West Pennine Moors open access land.
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