A woman was reportedly raped last night near a popular country park.

Detectives were called to the scene in Kearsley close to Blackleach Country Park at around 11.30pm on Wednesday after reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing police tape still there this morning.

Bolton CID’s Detective Inspector Tony Lunt said: "We are appealing to anyone with information or who may have been in the area at the time to contact police.

"The victim is being supported by specialist officers, and we have several lines of enquiry that we are actively pursuing."

Eyewitness reports say officers were seen on the motorway bridge connecting Kearsley with Blackleach Country Park, while GMP say detectives were called to nearby Lyon Road.

The park is a popular location both day and night for both male and female visitors.

It is often used by dog walkers and families during the day, with the road often used as a cut through for people going between Kearsley and Walkden.

Anyone with information can contact police by calling 0161 856 5757 quoting incident 3489 of 11/05/22.

Information can also be reported online or by using GMP’s LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.