WOMEN are being warned to be extra vigilant during nights out after a 20-year-old was brutally raped in Bolton.

The victim, who had been drinking in pubs in the town centre, was taken to a house by her attacker and subjected to a horrific sexual assault.

Police also appealed for bar staff who may recognise the description of a man they want to speak to in connection with the rape to come forward.

Det Sgt Paul Hitchen from Bolton CID said: "From the way he was dressed, we believe he had been out drinking in the town centre himself on the night of the attack.

"I would urge anyone who remembers seeing him in the pubs earlier that evening to come forward."

The victim, who lives in Bolton, had been for a night out with friends on Friday, April 2.

She had visited Barracuda, Dali bar, Varsity and McAuleys in the town centre before ending up at the Church Inn, off Trinity Street, shortly before 11pm.

The woman stayed in the premises with friends and left on foot at around 2.30am on the Saturday. As she walked along Bradshawgate, she was approached by a man near to the Pack Horse Hotel on Bradshawgate and he was captured on CCTV trying to guide the victim along the road.

She was taken to a house nearby where she was raped.

Det Sgt Hitchen said: "She is devastated by what has happened.

"She cannot remember all the details of where she was taken or how she got home. She is suffering from flashbacks and is very traumatised.

"Regrettably incidents of this gravity can and do happen in any town but fortunately they are still extremely rare.

"I would urge all woman to be aware of their own personal safety and that of their friends and not to walk anywhere on their own."

The attacker is described as white, between 5ft 10in and 6ft, athletic build, mid 20s, with short mousey brown hair which was spiked on top and had a pock marked complexion.

He was wearing a black short sleeved shirt and black jeans.

Anyone with information can contact the CID at Astley Bridge on 0161 856 5740 or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.