Man wanted in connection with child sexual exploitation case

Muhammed Shahzad

Police have issued an image of a man they want to speak to as part of an ongoing investigation into child sexual exploitation in Rochdale.

Muhammed Shahzad, 39, of Jepheys Street, Rochdale, was arrested on suspicion of rape on 1 April this year and absconded while on police bail on 16 June.

Since then police have made a large number of inquiries, which have now been exhausted, so officers took the decision to issue Muhammed Shahzad’s picture.

It is believed he could now be in Rochdale, Oldham, elsewhere in the North West or even further afield.

Detective Inspector Mike Sanderson, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have released a photograph of Muhammed Shahzad in an effort to help trace him.

"He was arrested in connection with an extremely serious offence so it is vitally important you call us if you know where Muhammed is.

"If you see this man please call the police or walk into your nearest police station."

Anyone with information of Muhammed Shahzad's whereabouts is asked to called the Major Incident Team on 0161 856 1731 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.