Woman (90) dragged off street and raped in England

A 90-year-old woman has been dragged off the street and raped in England, police have said.

The attack happened in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, as the pensioner walked to a local shop.

Police said the victim felt a hand go over her mouth and she was hauled backwards on Spotland Road at about 6.45am yesterday.

Greater Manchester Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim, and potentially the offender The pensioner is white and wore a white summer dress with a flower print and a cardigan.

Due to the nature of the attack, the only description of the offender is that he was white.

"I am sure the entire community will share our revulsion at this," Supt Alistair Mallen said.

“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.

Supt Mallen said this kind of incident was “ thankfully so rare” that it would 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.”

PA