Violent rape in Altrincham alleyway (From Messenger Newspapers)

Violent rape in Altrincham alleyway

9:47am Monday 18th March 2013 in News

A WOMAN was knocked unconscious and then raped in an Altrincham alleyway.

The ‘vile attack’ was committed in the early hours of Sunday morning (March 17), by a smartly dressed man wearing a pink tie, dark pinstripe shirt and black waistcoat.

It is understood that the 30-year-old victim met her attacker outside Nicholson nightclub, on Railway Street, at around 2.10am and they walked off together.

As they got to a nearby gated alleyway the offender asked the victim to have sex with him, but when she refused, he attacked her.

He threw her to the floor and strangled her, when she pleaded with him he punched her hard in the face, knocking her unconscious.

The victim, who sustained a bad cut to the back of her head, raised the alarm when she regained consciousness. It is believed the offender ran off in the direction of Lloyd Street.

Det Ch Insp Jill Clarke, of the Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: "This was a truly vile attack on a lone woman who has been left completely distraught by her ordeal.

"She is now in a safe place and is being supported by professionals who are dedicated to supporting victims in these kind of distressing circumstances.

"I want to now appeal directly to anyone else who was at the club last night or around that area in the early hours of the morning.

"This man was clearly dressed distinctively and, even without this incident, someone may recall seeing a man dressed so smartly."

She added: “It is understandable that residents will be concerned but I want to reassure them that this type of attack is extremely rare in Altrincham and we are working extremely hard to catch the man responsible."

In addition to his distinctive clothes, the offender is described as white, about 25-years-old, 5ft 11in tall, medium build with short dark hair. Additional officers have been stationed in Altrincham to reassure residents.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.