British police in Manchester have launched an investigation after a woman (90) was attacked in the street and raped.

The woman was attacked as she walked to a butchers in Spotland Road in Rochdale shortly before 7am on Tuesday.

A hand was placed over her mouth from behind and she was dragged backwards before she lost consciousness.

When she came round she walked to the shop and they called the police.

Superintendent Alistair Mallen said "I am sure the entire community will share our revulsion at this. The victim has been through an horrific ordeal and we are all hoping she can make a full recovery".

"She is now being supported by experienced officers and we are doing everything possible to reassure her that we will catch the man responsible".

"This kind of attack is thankfully so rare that it will naturally cause a huge amount of concern in the community".

"I now want people, including the criminal fraternity, to imagine if that had been your mum or grandma. I want to harness these feelings and use them to help the police do their job - catch this man and put him before the courts" he added.

Police want to hear from people who saw the victim on Tuesday morning. She is white and was wearing a white summer dress with a flower print and a cardigan.

The attacker is described as a white male but no other details were available.