A 90-year-old woman has been dragged off the street and raped in Rochdale.

The attack happened at around 6.45am yesterday, Tuesday 24 June 2014, when the victim left home to visit the butchers for a bacon sandwich.

As she walked along Spotland Road she felt a hand go over her mouth and she was dragged backwards.

She lost then consciousness and awoke on the floor. She had been raped.

Live: See live updates on the investigation here

The woman had a pound coin in one hand and a walking stick in the other.

The victim then walked to the butchers and raised the alarm.

Police say the woman is now being supported by specially-trained officers and detectives have launched an investigation.

She is in a traumatized state.

They want to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim, and potentially the attacker, on the morning of the attack.



The woman is white and wore a white summer dress with a flower print and a cardigan.

The only description of the attacker is that he was white.

Superintendent Alistair Mallen based at Rochdale, told a press conference that police had good lines of forensic enquiry.

He said: “I am sure the entire community will share our revulsion at this.

“The victim has been through an horrific ordeal and we are all hoping she can make a full recovery.

“She is now being supported by experienced officers and we are doing everything possible to reassure her that we will catch the man responsible.

“This kind of attack is thankfully so rare that it will naturally cause a huge amount of concern in the community.

“I now want people, including the criminal fraternity, to imagine if that had been your mum or grandma. I want to harness these feelings and use them to help the police do their job - catch this man and put him before the courts.

“So, this happened in a busy part of town at the start of a normal working day. Did you see the lady walking down Spotland Road before 7am yesterday and, if so, did you see anyone else nearby.

“It may not have struck you as significant at the time, but please, if you saw anything or anyone that you think could be relevant then please call the police.”

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk said the attack on Spotland Road yesterday had sickened the town to its core.

“Local people are struggling to comprehend how anyone could do this,” he said.

“Our heart goes out to this poor woman, she must have gone through hell. There is a real sense of shock and horror in the community and the police need to do everything possible to catch this sick individual. But they need the help of the community and people must stand up and be counted.

"Someone somewhere will know something that can help the police,” he said, “and I would urge them to search their conscience and come forward to pass that information on.

"Anyone with even a glimmer of suspicion should contact the police immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to call police in Rochdale on 0161 856 8470/8420 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.