Police launch manhunt for hooded man after 18-year-old woman is raped in woodland

Police have launched a manhunt for a hooded man after an 18-year-old woman was brutally raped in a woodland in Greater Manchester.

Detectives released a CCTV image of a man of interest following the sex attack in Bailey’s Wood in Blackley, north Manchester, on July 20, 2019.

A police spokesman said: “Shortly before 9:30pm on Saturday 20 July 2019, police were called to Charlestown Road in Blackley to reports that an 18-year-old woman had been raped.

“It is believed the incident happened in the Baileys Wood area around 9.15pm.

“Specially trained officers are continuing to provide support to the woman. No arrests have been made.”

Police described the incident as “horrific” and “terrifying”.

Detective Constable Karen Benson said: “No one should be subjected to such a terrifying attack, and we have been carrying out numerous enquiries since this incident to find the person responsible.

“We are now appealing for the public’s help in identifying the person in this photo as we want to speak to him in connection with what happened. Please get in touch if you think you might know him.”