A woman was raped on the Fallowfield Loop after being confronted by two men - one believed to have been armed with a gun.

Police said the shocking incident took place at around 4.50am on Wednesday morning and detectives are now appealing for witnesses.

The victim, in her late teens, was in a parked car with a male friend when they were approached by two masked men.

One was believed to be carrying a firearm.

The woman's male friend confronted and chased away the two men, police said.

The victim also got out of the car and ran away and hid at the entrance to the Fallowfield Loop.

However, one of the masked men found her hiding and raped her, police said.

(Image: MEN Media)

Officers were called to Sherwood Street shortly before 5am to reports of concern for a woman's welfare.

A police cordon remains in place at the junction of Sherwood Street and Wellington Road while investigations continue.

The woman is being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Inspector Chris Potter, from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: " This investigation is still at a very early stage. While there is a scene in place and officers remain in the area, we need people who witnessed anything to get in contact with us urgently.

"I appreciate this happened in the early hours of the morning but there may have been someone, somewhere who has information that could prove vital to our investigation.

"Did you see two men in the area acting suspiciously before or after 3.30am? Are you local to the area and noticed something unusual? Whatever it is, please make that call to us.

"I would like to reassure the public that additional officers will be patrolling the area, whilst detectives are working extremely hard to understand what has happened, which at this stage is believed to be an isolated incident."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6198, quoting reference number 237 of 14/11/18 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.