The attack took place in Railway Street, Manchester
The attack happened in Railway Street, Manchester

A man has been arrested by police investigating allegations of the rape of a woman in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.

Detectives said they had taken into custody a 19-year-old man on suspicion of rape.

A woman was assaulted in a "truly vile attack" by a smartly dressed man, said police. The 30-year-old victim described her attacker's distinctive clothes, which included a pinstripe shirt, a pink tie, black waistcoat and smart shoes.

She met him outside Nicholson nightclub in Railway Street early on Sunday morning.

They were walking together along the street and as they approached a gated alleyway, he asked her for sex, she told police. When she refused, he threw her to the ground and began to strangle her.

She begged him to stop but he punched her in the face, knocked her unconscious and raped her before running off.

The assailant was described as white, of average build, 5ft 11ins in height, and with short, dark hair.

DCI Jill Clarke of the Serious Sexual Offences Unit of Greater Manchester Police 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.

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

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