A SEXUAL predator is at large one week after a mother was raped by a stranger in daylight in Flixton.

Police have urged residents to be vigilant after the 39-year-old woman was attacked last Tuesday in an alleyway leading from Moorside Road on to Carrsvale Avenue.

Just before 2.50pm, the victim was returning from running an errand when she was approached by a man, who pushed her onto the floor and raped her.

The woman was able to turn and get a proper look at the man, who was described as being in his 50s, black, about 6ft tall and of stocky build.

He had jet black eyes and a one-inch horizontal scar on the right side of his chin. He was also described as having a cleft lip.

Officers confirmed that a man fitting the description was seen in a nearby park one hour after the vicious attack took place.

At a press conference this morning (Tuesday), Superintendent Simon Retford from Greater Manchester Police's Trafford Division said: “The community has supported the work we have been doing and we urge people to be vigilant and report anyone behaving suspiciously so we can bring this man to justice.

“We now believe that the man may have been seen close to the place he attacked the woman afterwards.

“A black man was spotted in a park where he was described as seeming upset. That may have been a purely innocent occurence but we’re asking that person to get in touch with CID and eliminated from the investigation. If linked, this would suggest the individual is showing remorse.”

An e-fit of the suspect was issued after the victim worked with experts to create the likeness.

Police officers have also been carrying out house to house enquiries and additional patrols in the area, as well as looking through CCTV to try and identify the offender.

Supt Retford added: “We worked extensively with the victim to create the e-fit and we would like people to take a good look and think whether this reminds you of anyone.

“This woman has been put through a horrific experience and we are doing absolutely everything we can to catch the dangerous man responsible and help her through this.

“Specially trained officers are supporting her and a team of dedicated detectives is investigating the rape.

“Please get in touch if you have any information or this image makes you think something as it could be vital to our investigation. No information is too trivial.

“We would like to advise women to take precautions for their own safety, such as remaining aware of your surroundings, even during daylight hours, and to avoid taking shortcuts.

“This kind of attack is rare in Trafford. We know this is of little consolation to the victim, which is why we need as much information as possible.”

Cllr Jonathan Coupe, for Flixton, confirmed Trafford Council was working in partnership with police to get the suspect arrested.

He said: “Our community safety patrols are liaising with the police to reassure residents at this difficult time. The more information we get the better. This sort of crime is a shock to the system.”

Anyone with information should phone Trafford’s serious sexual offences unit on 0161 856 0954 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.