A WOMAN has been raped shortly after leaving a pub in Farnworth in the early hours of this morning.

The victim, who is in her 50s, left the Wellington pub in Market Street at about 12.20am when she was attacked by a man who raped her.

The attack happened at the junction of Park Street and Rawson Street in Farnworth.

One nearby resident, who asked not to be named, said: "The first I knew about it was when my husband got up for work this morning at 5.30am - we didn't hear anything overnight.

"The whole area was taped up and the police have been there all day."

Another said: "It is shocking that something like that could happen round here.

"There are a lot of houses near here and it is a residential area."

Police said that, because of the ordeal, she is unable to give an accurate description of her attacker, but said that at the time she was wearing a bright yellow top.

Detectives are urging anyone who might have seen her or who knows anything about the attack to contact them.

Detective Insp Rebecca Duggan said: "The woman is understandably devastated by what has happened to her.

"I know people living nearby will be upset this type of offence has taken place in their neighbourhood and I would like to reassure them we are doing all we can to find out who is responsible."

When approached for comment, a spokesman for the Wellington pub declined to comment.

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 8568576 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.