POLICE are still hunting for a man who raped a teenage girl in an alley.

The 16-year-old was still wearing her school uniform when she was attacked by the man at around 5pm on Wednesday.

The incident happened in an alley off Birch Road, Rochdale, but officers are calling for anyone with information to come forward as they hunt the attacker.

He is described as being black or of dual heritage, between 30 and 40-years-old, around 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing blue jeans and smelt strongly of aftershave.

Superintendent Richard Hunt, of GMP’s Rochdale division, moved to reassure people after the incident.

“I would like to start by saying that, as our investigation continues, our thoughts remain with the victim and her family," he said.

“We are committed to identifying the man responsible and bringing him to justice so I would like to take this opportunity to ask anyone who has any information which may assist us to contact us as soon as possible.

“Incidents like this understandably cause concerns in communities but a dedicated team of officers are working tirelessly and will continue to into the weekend. To offer reassurance, the mobile police station and increased patrols will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

“I am thankful to those who have seen our appeal and have spoken with my officers and would like to stress that we will continue to follow every possible line of enquiry. This serious offending is abhorrent and will not be tolerated."

The mobile police station is on Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale and will be staffed seven days a week between the hours of 7am and 9pm.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4646 quoting 2066 15/01/2020.

Alternatively, the independent charity – Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.