Police release CCTV of man they wish to speak to in connection with rape in Rochdale

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Police investigating the rape of a man in Rochdale town Centre have released CCTV of a man they wish to speak to.

At around 5am on Saturday 7 November 2015, a 21 year old man was raped near to the fountain in the memorial garden behind Rochdale Town Hall.

The man was out with friends and encountered the offender in several bars in the town centre, including Yates and Mango's.

The victim encountered the offender again when he left Mango's. The men then walked together to the crime scene.

After the attack the victim made his way back to his friends at the bar. The offender also returned there and there was an argument in the street. The offender was chased by one of the victim’s friends up Fleece Street before being lost.

The offender is described as olive skinned, muscular build and in his late 20s/early 30s, around 5ft 8in with short curly dark hair. He was wearing dark clothing.

Detective Constable Julie McIntosh from GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “This was an appalling attack on a man as he was enjoying a night out. The victim has been left traumatised by the attack and we will continue to provide support.

“We now have CCTV of a man we would like to speak to in connection with the rape. We are appealing for this man to come forward, or for anyone who recognises him to get in touch.

“We are taking this incident incredibly seriously and appealing to anyone who may know anything or have seen the incident. You may think your information is trivial but it could be very important to our investigation.”

Police believe this to be an isolated incident.

Anybody with information should contact police in GMP's Serious Sexual Offences Unit on 0161 856 1911 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.