Police probe Southport church grounds rape attack
Police have launched an investigation after a woman reported being raped in the grounds of a church on Merseyside in the early hours of New Year's Day.
The 21-year-old had been out celebrating New Year's Eve in Birkdale before getting a taxi home.
She got out of the car in Hoghton Street, Southport at about 00:30 GMT on Sunday when she was approached by a man offering to walk her home.
He then raped her in the grounds of Holy Trinity Church, she told police.
The attacker is described as a white, small in height, and fat. He spoke with a local accent and was wearing a dark jacket with a hood and a scarf over his mouth.
Merseyside Police have appealed to anyone with information to contact the force or Crimestoppers anonymously.