Woman raped at knifepoint in Hulme, Manchester, by intruder who broke into her flat

Police are hunting a rapist who subjected a woman to a terrifying assault in her flat in Manchester.

The man is thought to have climbed in through a window at the apartment on Wilmott Street, Hulme, and threatened the woman before raping her at knifepoint. Police said they are upping their presence in the area and are investigating the incident, which happened about 5am on Tuesday 29 November.

Detective Superintendent David Meeney, of GMP's City of Manchester district said: "We are following several lines of enquiry and will have extra patrols in the area over the next few days. Offences of this nature are very rare, and this is being treated as an isolated incident. There are detectives working around the clock to identify the male responsible and the victim is receiving specialist support.

"We are urging people in the area to be vigilant and to make sure their doors and windows are secure, especially during the late evening and through the night. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, or if they see any suspicious activity in the area, please report this to officers in person or by calling 101 quoting 726 of 29/11/22. If it is an emergency, always dial 999."

If you have been affected by this story, support is available from the following services:

• Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

• Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

• Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.