A 36-year-old woman who was raped by three men in Bury has died in hospital, police have confirmed.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police attended three addresses in the town following enquiries and three men aged 32, 52 and 61 were arrested on suspicion of rape and murder.
Detective Superintendent Kate Atton, from GMP's Bury CID, said: "I have no doubt that the community are shocked and are worried to hear the news about this incident but I would like to reassure them that we have a dedicated team of detectives investigating and following up various lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances around this lady's death.
"High visibility patrols and local officers will be in the area and available to speak to anyone concerned and we will release more information as soon as we are able to.
"We want to give the lady's family the answers they deserve as they are understandably devastated at the loss and our thoughts remain with them. We'd ask anyone with information to come forward.
"The team are following up enquiries and have been overnight since the report came into us but anyone who may have any information should contact us - even the smallest bit of information could prove vital."
Anyone with information can report it online at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A scene remains in place and a team of detectives and officers are following up a number of lines of enquiry to understand the circumstances around the death and how she came to lose her life. A post mortem is due to take place today.
The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in line with normal procedure due to previous police contact.
