DETECTIVES today issued a fresh appeal for witnesses, a week on from the brutal rape of a 26-year-old woman in an area of woodland on the border of Westhoughton.

The woman was attacked in broad daylight and left for dead in Borsdane Wood last Monday as she walked her dog.

The rapist grabbed her from behind, then dragged her on to a steep embankment where he slashed her face and neck with a razor. She was then brutally raped.

Det Sgt Lyndon Wright, of Leigh CID, who is leading the manhunt, has warned women out walking in the area -- which borders Aspull -- to take care amid fears the rapist could strike again.

Teams of officers have completed a fingertip search of the woodland, but have not found the razor the rapist used.

Joggers and dog walkers who use the woodland have also been questioned.

Today detectives said they were following a number of positive lines of inquiry, but there have been no arrests as yet.

A spokesman said: "It is now just over a week since the attack and we want to take this opportunity to repeat our call for witnesses to come forward.

"We have had a positive response so far, but we still need anyone with information to call us."

The rapist is described as white, aged between 30 and 45, 5ft 6ins, of medium build, with dark eyes, and yellow teeth.

He was clean-shaven and wearing a black knitted hat, a black padded jacket which was zipped up to the top, and dark blue jeans.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the CID at Leigh on 0161 856 7428, or Crimestoppers on 0800555111.