A WOMAN was struck with a roof slate and strangled before being raped during a 'brutal' attack in Oldham.

The woman, in her 20s, was walking in West End Street shortly after 4.40am on Saturday morning when a man suddenly grabbed her and pulled her onto an astroturf pitch nearby.

A major investigation has been launched, and a cordon has been placed around the scene while officers carry out their enquiries.

Det Insp Ian Harratt of Greater Manchester Police's Oldham borough, said: "It’s very distressing that a young woman has been attacked and raped in such a brutal way, we are doing everything we can to find the person responsible.

"We are taking this very seriously, and although we believe it is an isolated incident, you will see extra officers in the area today and this evening, carrying out house to house enquiries and gathering information."

Police said the woman was struck with a roof slate and strangled, before the offender raped her.

The woman went to a house nearby to call for help, at which time the police were called.

She has been taken to hospital for treatment of her injuries and is being supported by specially trained officers.

Officers have urged anyone with information to come forward and called for residents to check their CCTV.

Det Insp Harratt said: "While we are supporting the woman, we really need help from people in the local area to come forward and share any information about the early hours of this morning.

"If you have CCTV cameras, please review your footage and contact our local team if you have anything which could help our enquiries.

"It may seem minor, but that detail could be the key to finding who this man is and ensuring he is held to account for his actions."

The man is described as white, in his early 20s, of slim build and as having a Manchester accent.

He was wearing dark clothing with a hood pulled over his head.

Anyone with information should call the local police team on 0161 856 9080, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.