POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a woman was raped.

The 22-year-old had been on a night out with friends on June 4 at the Hare and Hounds pub, Lowton Road, Golborne.

At about 11.30pm, she left her friends by the Wine Grow to walk home alone. She turned into Thirlmere Road and, just after the junction with Ullswater Road, a man grabbed her from behind and threatened her with a knife.

He then led her to a grassy area behind Ullswater Road, took her to a secluded spot and raped her.

The man is described as white, aged 18 to 25, of medium build and around 6ft tall. He was clean-shaven and wearing a dark tracksuit with the hooded top pulled tight around his face.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wigan CID on 0161 856 7151, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.