An area of Manchester's gay village was cordoned off yesterday as police investigated allegations of a rape.

The attack is believed to have taken place in the Basement Sauna on Tariff Street, off Dale Street, in Manchester city centre at about 2am.

Officers from Greater Manchester Police have spoken to the victim to try to find out what happened.

Investigations into the incident are continuing and anyone with information is urged to contact police.

The Basement Sauna, which has another branch in Leeds which open in 2006, is the largest gay and bisexual saunas in the northwest and the only venue to operate 24-hours a day

The Manchester venue has a large sauna with winding passages a video lounge, and a number of steam and rest rooms.