A MAN has been raped in Queens Park.

The 31-year-old victim was in the park, off Chorley New Road, when the attack happened at 3.10am on Sunday.

He is believed to have gone into the park following a night out in the town centre.

The rapist left the park at the entrance off Park Road.

Det Insp Damian Simpson from the police's serious sexual offences unit said: “This is a shocking incident that will cause concern within the local community but I can assure them that we are doing all we can to catch the offender.

"Police patrols have been increased in the park and the surrounding areas and anyone with concerns should approach their local officer.

"The only description we have is that the offender was dark skinned and I would ask if anyone has any information to help identify him or witnessed the incident itself, to phone police immediately.

“You may think that the information you have may not be important but it could help us find out who is responsible.”

People living near the park said they were appalled by the incident.

One resident in Park Road, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s really shocking to hear — I thought things had improved in the park but obviously not.”

Another Park Road resident, who also asked to remain anonymous, said: “I wouldn’t feel safe walking through the park at the best of times because I have heard about a few scary incidents that have happened. This is shocking news and I wouldn’t advise anyone to go in the park after dark.”

The latest incident comes after a woman made a rape allegation following an incident in Bolton Parish Church’s grounds, off Churchgate on Sunday, October 6.

The 39-year-old woman was said to have been attacked just before 5.30am.

Luke Entwistle, aged 27, of no fixed address, but said to be from Bolton, has been charged with rape, robbery and perverting the course of justice.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 8561981 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.