Police arrest two men, 44 and 57, after a woman ‘was raped’ in a town centre churchyard on Christmas eve
- Police called after a woman in her 30s was reportedly raped in a churchyard
- Two men aged 44 and 57 are being questioned by detectives in Stockport
- Clothing and sleeping bags can be seen in the doorway of the sealed off church
Two men have been arrested after a woman was reportedly raped in a town centre churchyard on Christmas Eve.
Greater Manchester Police said two men are being questioned on suspicion of rape after a woman in her 30s was attacked in Stockport, Greater Manchester, this morning.
A cordon remains in place around St Mary’s Church in the Market Place, on Churchgate.
A GMP statement said: ‘At around 8.05am today (Monday 24 December 2018), police were called to reports that a woman had been raped outside a church on Churchgate in Stockport earlier this morning.
St Mary’s Church in the Market Place in Stockport has been sealed off by police after a woman was reportedly raped
‘A woman, aged in her 30s, has been taken to hospital and is being supported by specially trained officers.
‘Two men, aged 44 and 57, have been arrested on suspicion of rape and remain in custody for questioning.
‘A scene is in place and enquiries are ongoing.’
Items of clothing and sleeping bags could be seen in the doorway of the church and a cordon was placed around the outside of the building.
Several more jumpers remain hanging from street bollards outside of the cordon.
Sleeping bags and clothes can be seen hanging up outside the church in the churchyard where the woman was reportedly attacked
Two men are being held in police custody after the alleged sex attack close to a church on Christmas Eve
Detective Inspector Julia Bowden, of GMP’s Stockport borough, said: ‘We have launched a full investigation and have specially trained officers supporting the victim as she receives treatment in hospital.
‘Whilst we believe this is an isolated incident and have two men in custody, our investigation is in the very early stages and our enquiries will continue at the scene throughout the afternoon.
‘I would encourage anyone who thinks they might have even the smallest piece of information that could assist our investigation to please get in touch as soon as possible.
‘Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference number 405 of 24/12/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.’
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