Schoolgirl sexually assaulted at Middleton bus stop

Police are appealing for information after a schoolgirl was sexually assaulted at a bus stop in Middleton.

The girl, aged 12, was sat at a bus stop at Market Place, Middleton at around 6.30pm on Monday 25 March 2019 when she was approached by an unknown man.

He made lewd remarks before sexually assaulting her.

She left the bus stop before contacting family and the police were called.

The man is described as white, aged around 50, with short grey hair which is thin on top and a bit spiky. He is further described as of a chubby build.

He was wearing a white t-shirt with a horse-type logo on the left breast, and denim jeans. He has some stubble and appeared drunk during the incident.

Police want to speak to anyone who recognises the description of the man or who has any information.

They are particularly keen to speak to a male passer-by who asked the girl whether she knew the offender when he noticed them speaking.

Detective Sergeant Tim O’Callaghan of GMP’s Rochdale District said: “This girl has been subjected to a terrifying ordeal and we’re determined to find the man responsible.

“Were you in the area at time and saw something that looked suspicious?

“We believe the person responsible was intoxicated at the time of the offence and therefore may have been drinking in pubs around Middleton.

“We would urge anyone who recognises the description, or has any information, to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8441 quoting incident 1993 of 25/03/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.