A TEENAGE girl was dragged down a dirt track and raped by a vicious attacker.

The 18-year-old from Winsford was walking home alone from DBs Nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning along Swanlow Lane when the man struck.

As she passed Swanlow Lane post office near to the junction with Welsh Lane, he grabbed her and forced her down the quiet rural road. She was then sexually assaulted and raped.

When he escaped, the girl immediately raised the alarm, the police were alerted and an investigation mounted.

On Sunday residents living in Welsh Lane were not allowed to leave their homes until police examined the area for forensic evidence and clues. An incident tent was also set up at the scene of the crime.

Now a total of 20 officers and support staff are involved in the inquiry, code-named Operation Neck, and a mobile incident room has been located near to the scene in Swanlow Lane.

Nearby resident Carl Nagaitis, of Swanlow Lane, said: "There are lots of people who walk their dogs on the field next to Welsh Lane and it's put the jitters up a lot of residents.

"It's a terrible thing that's happened. Certainly, I will not be letting my wife down there again. It's very frightening.

"Welsh Lane is a footpath to a farm house and you can cross fields to the Flashes. Lots of people use it as a walk way.

"We had relatives looking after our house at the weekend because we were in Bedford. When we returned they said there had been a lot of police activity and the area was being searched for clues. It's awful," he added.

Rachel Hamlett, 16, a shop assistant at Swanlow Lane post office, said: "I'm really shocked. I walk around the area late at night with my boyfriend.

"And I've taken my dog a walk down Welsh Lane before with my family. The locals also use it a lot.

"I would never go near there late at night though. It's too dark and dangerous."

On Monday night, officers were conducting house to house enquiries in the area.

A Northwich CID spokesman said: "The victim is very distressed as a result of this horrendous attack upon her, fortunately she is not physically injured.

"Although the offender gave no indication of having a weapon, that does not mean to say he did not have one in his possession.

"The woman is being interviewed by a specially trained police officer and all possible support is being given to her.

"This was a very serious offence committed against a lone female. The police urgently need to speak to anyone who can offer any information as to the identity of this offender or who witnessed anything suspicious in the Swanlow Lane area at about 2am.

"Witnesses may even have seen this man following the girl from DBs Nightclub. Any information leading to his identity would be helpful.

"Calls will be treated in the strictest confidence."

The man responsible for the attack is described as 6ft to 6ft 2in tall, aged 18 to 20, with mousy brown hair in a tight frizzy style. He had a thin face and a noticeably thin build. He was wearing casual clothing which included blue jeans and a cream coloured fleece-type jacket, drawn in at the waist, zip fastening. There was no noticeable accent.

Anybody with information is asked to ring Northwich police on 01606 48000 or Crime Stoppers on 0800555111.

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