Detectives have praised a group of men who stopped the attempted rape of a 17-year-old girl and held the suspect until police arrived.

The men disturbed the attacker as he allegedly tried to rape the teenager on Friday night in a car park in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.

They stopped the attack and chased the suspect, holding him until he was arrested by police.

A 23-year-old man is in custody for questioning.

Detective Inspector Karl Ward, from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: “First of all, my thoughts are with the girl who was victim to this terrifying attack, she is getting specialist support and we will continue to help her get through this horrible ordeal.

“Secondly, I would like to take my hat off to the group of men who intervened, stopped the attack, then gave chase so police were able to make an arrest.

“This is a great example of the police & public working together to stop crime, and I am extremely thankful to them for their assistance.

“We are still appealing for further witnesses however, so if anyone saw anything that might help the police investigation we would really like to hear from you.”

Police were first called at 10.35pm on Friday by members of the public who had detained the man at the car park near to Stamford Street in Ashton.

Officers have appealed for anyone else who may have witnessed the attack to get in touch on 0161 856 8915 or alternatively call 101 quoting the reference number 2314 of 01/02/19 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.