Man, 21, followed out of bar and raped in Rochdale park in 'appalling attack'

Police said the victim was attacked in the town's memorial gardens after a night out with friends

The man was attacked in Rochdale's memorial gardens (Google Streetview)

Police in Rochdale are searching for a man who followed another man out of a bar and raped him in a public park.

The 21-year-old victim had met his attacker in several venues during a night out with friends before the assault at around 5am on Saturday.

“The victim was followed outside by the man when he left one of the bars for a cigarette,” a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said.

The men then walked together to the Rochdale Memorial Gardens, which house a monument to the Second World War by the town hall, where the victim was raped by a fountain.

“After the attack the victim made his way back to his friends,” Police said.

“The suspect followed the victim back to the bar, there was then an argument in the street.

“The offender was chased by one of the victim’s friends up Fleece Street before being lost.”

The suspect is described as an olive skinned man with a muscular build, aged in his late 20s or early 30s, around 5ft 8in tall with short curly dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

Police said they believe the attack to be an isolated incident.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Duggan, from the force’s serious sexual offences unit, added: “This was an appalling attack on a man as he was enjoying a night out. The victim has been left traumatised and we will continue to provide support.

“We are taking this incident incredibly seriously and appealing to anyone who may know anything or have seen the incident. You may think your information is trivial but it could be very important to our investigation.”

Anybody with information is urged to contact Greater Manchester Police’s serious sexual offences unit on 0161 856 1911 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.