TWO men have appeared in court charged with raping a 17-year-old girl in Rochdale.

Mohammed Ali and Alik Madi, both of the same address in Rathbone Street, Newbold, appeared at Rochdale Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. Mr Ali was charged with two counts of rape and Mr Madi with one count.

Speaking through interpreters, they confirmed that they understood the charges. They did not enter any pleas.

During the hearing, the ages of the defendants were unclear but after legal argument, the bench ruled that both men were adults and could be committed to Crown Court. They were remanded in custody and will appear at Bolton Crown Court on 30 September.

It’s alleged the victim had been walking close to the Lidl supermarket, Spotland Road, in the early hours of Saturday 5 July when two men dragged her into some bushes and raped her several times.