A teenager was dragged into bushes and raped as she walked through Heaton Park.

The incident happened sometime between 11am and 2pm on 3 September 2008.

The 17-year-old girl was walking through the park - on Middleton Road, Higher Blackley - alone when she was confronted by her attacker.

Police are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who has information about what happened to come forward.

The girl's attacker is described as white, in his 20s, about 5ft 4in tall and of small build. He had jet-black hair that was curly on top and short on the back and sides. The victim described him as having a rectangular-shaped face with dark, small eyes. He was clean-shaven although he had bad skin.

He was wearing a black leather jacket and baggy light-coloured jeans with white trainers.

Detective Constable Neil Blyth, based at Grey Mare Lane CID, said: "The victim has been left absolutely traumatised after her ordeal. She has only just found the courage to come forward to tell the police about what happened to her but now that she has, we will be making every effort to find her attacker.

"She has been very brave and given a good description of the man so I would appeal to anyone who thinks they may know who did this to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone with information should call Grey Mare Lane CID on 0161 856 3540 or Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counseling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.