A 28-year-old man was arrested after a woman was allegedly forced into a park at gunpoint and raped in Heaton Mersey Park, Stockport, Greater Manchester, police said.
Greater Manchester Police said the incident occurred at around 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The woman told officers she had been approached by a man who appeared to be holding what she believed could be a firearm and was forced to walk with him into the park, where she said he raped her. She escaped a short time later and ran to safety, police said.
Officers were alerted shortly after the incident and attended to speak with the victim, police said. The suspect was arrested within an hour and remained in custody on Wednesday while detectives continued inquiries. The item described by the victim as a weapon has been recovered and is being examined to determine whether it is capable of firing.
Superintendent Dave Henthorne said specialist officers were supporting the victim and criticised the rarity of such offences in the area. "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," he said. "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."
Henthorne added that neighbourhood officers were carrying out door-to-door enquiries and extra patrols in the Heaton Mersey area to reassure residents, and said there was no current reason to believe there was a wider risk to the community.
Detectives said forensic examinations and witness interviews were under way. Police asked anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured relevant footage to contact them, providing the number 0161 856 9932 and quoting log 3668 of Sept. 9, 2025.
The arrest and recovery of the reported weapon mark the opening phase of a criminal investigation that will determine whether charges are brought. The force did not disclose further details about the suspect or whether any bail conditions had been set. Specialist victim-care teams remain engaged to provide medical, forensic and welfare support to the woman as enquiries continue.