Police appeal for information following report of predatory behaviour after man ‘threatens young girl to sexually expose herself’ in Rochdale

A map of where police believe the incident to have taken place, on the path in the woodland area

Police are appealing for information after a man is reported to have approached a young girl on Hartley Lane, Rochdale, during the afternoon of 16 April.

Officers say the girl, described as a teenager, was walking down Hartley Lane at around 12.30pm when she was approached by a man who threatened her to sexually expose herself.

The incident is believed to be isolated at this time.

The man is described as white, 30 to 40-years old, approximately 5ft 8in tall, with fluffy black hair in a top knot style. He is medium build and was wearing a navy jacket with a white t shirt and blue jeans.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who lives in the surrounding area, or may have been in the area that day, who may have CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage which is relevant to the investigation.

Detective Constable Lee from GMP Rochdale district said: “We are determined to find who has committed this offence. Local patrols are aware of this incident and have patrol plans in place to provide reassurance.

“This happened in clear daylight so there may well have been people who were in the area and either saw what happened or saw the man. It is possible he may have been in the area for some time. If you did see him, please call us.

“If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, it could be crucial to our investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1454 of 16/04/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.