Woman asking for a spare cigarette raped at Old Trafford Metrolink car park

A woman was raped in Trafford after being lured into a car park for a cigarette.

The woman was on here way to do some shopping late at night when she asked a man smoking for a spare cigarette. The man said he would only share one with her if she walked to the Old Trafford Metrolink station. 

The pair walked together along Warwick Road when the man crossed the road and beckoned the woman into the car park at Warwick House. 

When she refused, the man dragged her into the car park and raped her. 

He is described as Asian, short black hair and stubble, about 5ft 6ins or slightly shorter, in his early 40s, of slim build and was wearing a black leather jacket and jeans. He spoke with a Manchester accent. 

Police report that the rape had taken place sometime between 3.10am and 3.15am on the morning of Tuesday 4 April, and have launched an investigation and are now appealing for information. 

Detective inspector Carl Gilbert, of GMP’s Trafford borough, said: “This is an absolutely shocking incident and one that is sure to cause much concern to anybody who hears about what has happened. 

“We have a significant team working on this investigation and have increased patrols in the local community while we carry out further enquiries. 

“This man subjected his victim to a terrifying rape and we have a team of specially trained officers providing her with support at this difficult time."

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 851 of 04/04/17, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims. 

• If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available. 
• You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively, people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want to make a police report.
• St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling 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 via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral. 
• Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514. 
• Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.