A 28-year-old man from Manchester has been arrested over the alleged rape at Heaton Mersey Park in Stockport and has been remanded in custody after he was apprehended
A man has been arrested after a woman was allegedly led into a park by a stranger with a gun who then raped her.
The reported rape happened at about 9:30pm on Tuesday, September 9 at Heaton Mersey Park in Stockport. Greater Manchester Police officers arrived at he park and spoke to the victim shortly after the attack. Officers then arrested a 28-year-old man just an hour after they were alerted to reports of the rape. The man remains in custody.
In her account, the victim described a man approached her and forced her to come with him. She believed he was carrying what could have been a firearm at the time.
When they arrived at the park, the man allegedly raped her, although she was able to get away from him shortly afterward. The man is alleged to have fled shortly afterward.
Officers are now carrying out enquiries in the area in a bid to provide reassurance to people in the area. The firearm has been taken away for examination to see where it is “viable.”
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.”