Girl of 14 raped in early hours

POLICE at Warrington today appealed for information from the public following the rape of a teenage girl in the early hours of the morning.
The attack was in Winwick Road, Warrington at a garage site at about 3.30am on Saturday, May 26.
Police say the girl was aged 14.
The girl was walking along Northway, towards Winwick Road, when she was approached by two men who asked her for the time.
She said she did not have the time and the men walked off.
The girl carried on walking along Winwick Road and as she reached the garage and unknown man approached her and tried to engage her in conversation.
The man then subjected the victim to a serious sexual assault – but was disturbed by a noise nearby and fled the scene running off along Winwick Road.
The victim went home and the incident was later reported to police.
DS Mike Evans, of the Cheshire Police dedicated rape unit, said: “We take all incidents of this nature extremely seriously and are currently carrying out a number of lines of enquiry in a bid to trace the offender.
“Our enquiries include forensic enquiries, house-to-house enquiries and CCTV enquiries.
“The incident took place in the early hours of the morning and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed what happened or was in the area at the time and has seen anyone acting suspiciously to contact us.
“We are also keen for the two men who stopped and spoke to the victim to come forward.”
The offender is described as being in his 50s, of stocky build, with stubble on his face and stubbly hair. He was wearing a white short sleeved top with black writing on it.
Patrols have been stepped up in the area to reassure the local community. Anyone with any information is urged to speak to local officers.
Inspector Andy Ross, of Warrington central neighbourhood policing unit, added: “Thankfully incidents of this nature are rare, although I would like to take the opportunity to reiterate important safety messages to the community.
“We would urge people, particularly lone females, to follow basic safety advice. Remain vigilant when walking alone at night, maintain an awareness of your surroundings and personal safety and always make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you are due back.
“Avoid poorly lit areas and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111.