90-year-old woman dragged off Spotland Road and raped

Spotland Road

A 90-year-old woman was dragged off the street as she walked along Spotland Road and raped.

The attack happened at around 6.45am yesterday, Tuesday 24 June 2014, when the victim left home to visit the local butchers.

As she walked along Spotland Road she felt a hand go over her mouth and she was dragged backwards.

She lost consciousness and awoke on the floor. She had been raped.

The victim then walked to the butchers and raised the alarm.

The victim is now being supported by specially trained officers and detectives have launched an investigation.

Police now want to hear from anyone who may have seen the victim - she is white and wore a white summer dress with a flower print and a cardigan - and potentially the offender, on the morning of the attack. 

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

Superintendent Alistair Mallen based at Rochdale, said: “I am sure the entire community will share our revulsion at this.

“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.

“This kind of attack is thankfully so rare that it will naturally 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.

“So, this happened in a busy part of town at the start of a normal working day. Did you see the lady walking down Spotland Road before 7am yesterday and, if so, did you see anyone else nearby.

“It may not have struck you as significant at the time, but please, if you saw anything or anyone that you think could be relevant then please call the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police in Rochdale on 0161 856 8470/8420 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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