An investigation is under way after a woman was seriously sexually assaulted on a path near an industrial estate.
Cheshire Police said the attack took place at around 4am on Saturday, close to a factory in the Astmoor Road area of Runcorn. A force spokeswoman said the victim is receiving support from specialist officers.
Investigators have issued an appeal for any information, CCTV or dashcam footage from the area. Pictures posted by residents on social media showed Astmoor Bridge was taped off as a crime scene close to Castlefields Avenue North later on Saturday.
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The footbridge crosses the Bridgewater Canal and is close to a path that leads through a small wooded area and under the Daresbury Expressway to Astmoor Industrial Estate.
Patrols have been increased.
The force spokeswoman said: "Officers received a report of a serious sexual assault which is believed to have taken place at around 4am on Saturday, July 16, on a path near to a manufacturing site in the Astmoor Road area of Runcorn.
"The victim, a 36-year-old woman, is currently being supported by specialist officers.
"A number of enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and patrols are being stepped up in the local area.
"Anyone with any information, CCTV or dashcam footage – in particular in the vicinity of Brindley Road and Castlefields Avenue North near to Bridgewater canal and Daresbury Expressway between 3.20am and 4am – that may help the ongoing investigation is asked to report it to Cheshire Constabulary by calling 101, quoting IML 1318373, or via cheshire.police.uk
"Information can also be reported to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org."
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