Appeal for witness in Littleborough sexual assault case

Police are appealing for a potential witness to a sexual assault in Littleborough to come forward.

The attack took place at 12.40am on Saturday 17 October 2015, after a taxi picked up the offender in Littleborough town centre and asked the driver to take him to Smithy Bridge Road.

Once there, a woman got into the taxi and it drove both of them to the Premier Inn in Milnrow, where the man got out and enquired unsuccessfully about paying for a room for the night.

During this time, the offender had got into the back of the taxi and had been sexually assaulting the victim.

After the man returned to the taxi, the woman asked the driver to drop them both off at Smithy Bridge Railway Station.

The victim got out of the vehicle and the offender followed, grabbing the victim as she walked through the tunnel under the tracks and continuing to sexually assault her.

She eventually broke free of his grasp and ran off, leaving the offender behind.

A 42-year-old was subsequently arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and bailed until 18 February 2016.

Detective Constable Richard Shelton said: “We are very keen to trace and speak to the taxi driver who drove both the offender and the victim around on the night in question.

“He is likely to be a key witness in this case, so it is vitally important that we trace him and talk to him about the events of that night.

“We have detained a man in connection with this attack, but it is vitally important to the investigation that we get the taxi driver’s version of events.

“Similarly, if you witnessed anything which you believe may assist the investigation, please contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.