Warning as man reportedly exposing himself to women on Littleborough canal

Warning as man reportedly exposing himself to women on Littleborough canal

Police were called to Littleborough after a man was reportedly exposing himself to various women on the canal yesterday afternoon (Monday 8 July).

One woman, who regularly walks in the area, said she was warned by a passer-by of what she was about to see, but initially took it “with a pinch of salt”. On walking a little bit further the woman realised the warning was real, and made a distressed call to her husband. 

The man, believed to be middle-aged, is thought to be familiar in the area, and has been seen acting strangely on the canal in Littleborough and Smithy Bridge earlier this year.

The woman’s husband, who didn’t want to be named, told Rochdale Online News that people must be warned about the man, especially as the police have not managed to make an arrest. He said: “My wife is always out walking, she’s seen this guy a few times now, just hanging around and acting strangely.

“He was exposing himself to other women as well, not just her. One of them tried to warn her as she walked past. 

“I told her to keep walking and find people nearby that she could talk to and walk with.

He added: “Unfortunately we don’t have a lot of police in Littleborough as we can’t afford it, which is a shame, but we have to do the best we can.

“They still need to take it seriously - even if it’s not seen as a major offence, it can lead to bigger offences.”

A spokesperson from Greater Manchester Police said: “We were called at 1.30pm to Bridge 46 on Halifax Road in Littleborough to reports of indecent exposure.

“No arrests have been made at this stage and enquiries are ongoing.”