Woman of 90 raped as she walked to the shops

A MANHUNT was under way last night after a 90-year-old woman was dragged from the street and raped in broad daylight.

The sickening attack took place early on Tuesday morning after she left home for her daily walk to her local butcher.

As she was making her way towards the shop, she felt a hand cover her mouth before she was dragged backwards and lost consciousness.

She awoke to find herself lying on the pavement and realised she had been raped. Although badly shaken by the attack, she got up from the ground and made her way to the butcher’s shop, where staff raised the alarm.

Last night she was in the care of specialist counsellors as she recovered from the attack. Neighbours in Rochdale spoke of their shock at her ordeal.

Stephen Chrimes, the local butcher, said: ‘The old lady comes in here every single morning, first thing, for her sausages and bacon. She’s very active and independent, especially for a 90year-old, and we’re all praying for her speedy recovery.’

Pensioner Eddie Phillips, 80, said: ‘The person who carried out this attack needs to be caught and quickly.’

Superintendent Alistair Mallen, from Rochdale police, said: ‘The victim has been through a horrific ordeal and we are doing everything possible to catch the man responsible.’