13-year-old girl sexually assaulted in Heywood

A 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in an alleyway in Rochdale on Friday evening, 23 March 2007.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which occurred between 9:30 and 10:00pm. The teenager was walking down an alleyway between Wham Road and Cherwell Avenue in Heywood when she was approached by a boy, who she describes as being aged around 15-16 years old.

He spoke to her and then grabbed hold of her by her ponytail, pushing her to the ground. He sat on top of her and slapped her in the face, before trying to pull down her trousers. He was then disturbed by a passer-by and ran off.

The boy has been described as white, between 5'9"-5'10" tall, of a chubby build, with natural blonde, spiky hair. He had big bags under his eyes and a spotty, pale complexion. He spoke with a local accent, was wearing a cream-coloured cotton jacket and smelt strongly of cigarettes.

Detective Sergeant Andy Butterworth, Rochdale CID said: "The girl is understandably traumatised by this assault and we are doing everything we can to trace the offender.

"Fortunately, she was not seriously injured, but did have some cuts and bruises as a result.

"We have extra patrols in the area and would urge the community not to be alarmed, but to take precautions. Stick to well lit areas and stay with friends. There is no room for this sort of incident in Heywood. If anyone has any information about the incident, or saw a boy acting suspiciously in the area on Friday evening, please contact police on 0161 856 4646, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."