manchester police
Before the arrest, police had released images of a man they wanted to question Greater Manchester Police

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape after a woman was attacked in Manchester in the early hours of the morning. The 19-year-old girl had been walking home from work in the All Saints Park area at 5.30am on 19 December.

Police said she was grabbed from behind by a man and struggled with him as he tried to rape her, but then he ran off after being disturbed. Earlier, police had released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace. A suspect is now in custody for questioning, Sky News reported.

Manchester police detective inspector Amanda Murray said: "Although an arrest has been made, this is not the end of our investigation and increased police patrols remain in place. We have had a good response from members of the public and I would like to thank them for that.

"However, we are still appealing for anyone who may have been walking or driving in the area at the time of the attack to call police as soon as possible."

Officers have asked anybody who might have witnessed the incident or recognise the man in the hand-out photographs to get in touch.

Anyone with information has been asked to phone 0161 856 1911 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.