Man bailed following teenage girl rape

A man arrested after a 15-year-old girl was raped in Rochdale has been bailed until Monday 27 April pending further inquiries.

Between 1am and 2am yesterday morning (Sunday 22 February), the 15-year old girl was walking through the wooded area that leads from Wardle Road to Ashbrook Hey Lane, known locally as The Brew, when she heard noises.

A man jumped out and grabbed her arms before raping her. During the attack the girl believes the offender was disturbed by a passer-by and ran away.

When the offender had left, the girl returned home and told her mother what had happened and her mother then contacted the police.

A short time later a group of girls approached a police officer and reported seeing a man acting suspiciously in the area. They then left before giving their details. Officers are keen to trace these girls and anyone else who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area around that time.

Detective Constable Janice Crutwell from Rochdale CID said: "This was a horrendous attack on a young girl and I am appealing for anyone with any information to get in touch.

"I am particularly keen to speak to the girls who spoke to the police officers after they saw a man acting suspiciously in the area. Please get in contact with us as you could hold vital information for my investigation.

"Incidents like this are thankfully extremely rare but I would advise people walking home late at night to take safety precautions. Try to stay in groups, stick to well lit areas wherever possible and always make sure someone knows what time you’ll be home.”

Anyone with any further information on this incident is asked to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8443 or Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.