A man has been arrested following reports of a woman being raped in Heaton Mersey Park.

The incident is believed to have taken place around 9.30pm on Tuesday 9 September.

A 28-year-old man from Manchester was 'swiftly' arrested around an hour after the woman had made her report. He remains in custody.

In her account, the woman described being approached by the man, who forced her to come with him. He was holding what she believed could be a gun.

She then said she was raped in the park, but managed to get free and run to safety, after which the suspect fled.

Police are carrying out enquiries in the nearby area to 'provide reassurance'.

Superintendent Dave Henthorne said: "Fortunately in Greater Manchester, stranger rape is extremely uncommon, but when instances do occur, it's right that we work quickly and robustly to mitigate any further harm.

"What this victim has been through is nothing short of terrifying, and we have specialist officers in place to support her, which is our focus. She has been incredibly brave in coming forward.

"I hope that this swift arrest reassures the community that there is not thought to be any wider risk, but our neighbourhood officers are in place to speak to anyone who is concerned.

"Anyone who has not yet spoken to us and may have witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact us immediately on 0161 856 9932 quoting log 3668 of 9 September 2025."

Greater Manchester Police also encouraged victims of sexual assault not to suffer in silence.

Survivors Manchester, Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, and Greater Manchester Rape Crisis all provide support - find more information here.