A FOURTEEN-YEAR-OLD girl was raped on School Road on Sunday night.

Police patrols in the area have increased following the attack with officers warning women to be vigilant.

The school girl was walking along School Road at around 10.45pm when a stranger came over to speak to her. He then raped her.

A 23-year-old man was arrested in the area following the attack. He has been bailed.

DS Mike Evans, of the dedicated rape unit, said: "The victim is receiving help and support from specialist officers.

"We are currently carrying out a number of lines of enquiry in relation to the incident − including forensic enquiries, house-to-house enquiries and CCTV enquiries.

"We are appealing for help from the public and are keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or was in the area at the time and may have seen anyone acting suspiciously."

The rapist is described as white, aged in his 20s to 30s, around 5ft 9ins tall, of medium build with short, dark hair.

He had a beard and wore a black tracksuit and pink and red woollen gloves.

Inspector Andy Ross, of Warrington central neighbourhood policing unit, said: "We would urge people, particularly lone females, to follow basic safety advice.

"Remain vigilant when walking alone at night, maintain an awareness of your surroundings and personal safety and always make sure that someone knows where you are going and when you are due back.

"Avoid poorly lit areas and report any suspicious activity to the police immediately."

Anyone with any information can call police on 101.