A woman who reported being raped on a canal tow path in Eccles was making it up, say Greater Manchester Police.
Officers issued this description of a man in his 50s thought to be responsible for a ‘deeply traumatising’ attack, after the 33-year-old reported being sexually assaulted near the Bridgewater Canal on Hall Bank between 1am and 2am on Sunday 12 April.
The woman told officers she had been walking along Worsley Road from Eccles towards Winton when she was offered a lift by a man who drove her to the secluded location and raped her before driving away.
Read: Woman raped in ‘horrific and deeply traumatic’ attack on Salford canal path
A team of investigators questioned neighbours and residents and set up a special information phone line.
After a three-day probe into the claim the victim admitted to police that she had not been raped.
Detective Inspector Benjamin Hart said: “Greater Manchester Police takes all reports of rape and sexual assault very seriously and we will fully investigate each one until we find who is responsible.
“In this case, the claimant, who is vulnerable, has admitted to an officer this did not happen.
“I understand those living close to the area have been very concerned but I would like to reassure them this incident did not take place.”
Image: Hall Bank, Eccles – Google Street View
