Police say they have arrested a 21-year-old man on suspicion of rape after a 70-year-old woman was sexually assaulted last weekend.

The woman was attacked on Almond Street, Farnworth after leaving Market Street just after midnight.

The incident has shocked local residents, and the woman had been supported by specialist officers since the incident.

Today, August 26, a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Bolton South have announced they have arrested a man connected to the crime.

ALSO READ: Farnworth residents speak of shock after pensioner sexually assaulted

A GMP spokesperson said: "We’ve arrested a man on suspicion of the rape of a 70-year-old woman over the weekend.

"Our plain-clothed officers were on patrol in Farnworth on Wednesday night when they spotted a suspicious looking man in the town centre who was walking away from them before he was stopped.

"Enquiries were carried out and a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape.

"He remains in custody.

"The victim has been kept updated and continues to be supported by our specialist officers and partners agencies."

In the aftermath of the shocking attack, officers had conducted house-to-house searches and appealed for information and CCTV footage.

Much of the area was taped off by police on Sunday and into the start of this week.