UPDATED: Police appeal to find man who repeatedly punched then raped teenager in Salford street

Police have issued a warning to parents after a teenage girl was punched to the floor and raped by a stranger in an alleyway late at night.

Detectives said the 15-year-old victim suffered ‘an appalling and traumatic ordeal’ in the Little Hulton area of Salford.

She was walking down an alley on Hilton Street, near to Cleggs Lane, at 10pm on Sunday night when she was attacked.

A man, described as in his 40s, jumped her from behind and punched her to the pavement. He then raped her.

Officers launched a public appeal for information to catch the attacker but also urged parents to ask their children to ‘stick together, keep to well-lit areas and avoid taking shortcuts’.

The offender is described as being white, about 5ft 6in tall with a big build and a large belly.

He was wearing a black woolly hat, a blue bubble coat, black tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

DCI Clare Devlin said: “I understand that the news a 15-year-old girl has been attacked and raped by a stranger will cause considerable unease and distress in this community.

"The purpose of this appeal is not to unduly scare people but it is important we inform them about this appalling incident, not only so they can help us find the culprit but so they can also take the necessary precautions until he is caught.

“This young girl suffered the sort of traumatic ordeal no-one should ever have to experience and we are offering her as much support as she needs at this difficult time.

"We have specially-trained officers working with her as she comes to terms with what happened.

“The best peace of mind we can give this young girl and her family is to have this man locked up so we are appealing to the public to help us. If you recognise the man from this description, or you have seen him hanging around this area before, then please call us.

"Any scrap of information could be vital.

"I also want to reassure residents living and working in this community that we will act on any information to catch this man and high-visibility patrols will be in the area both to provide a reassuring presence but also to help catch this man.

“In the interim, I would urge parents to advise their children to stick together, keep to well-lit areas and avoid taking shortcuts where possible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.