19-year-old girl sexually assaulted

A 19-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Castleton in the early hours of Sunday (19 February) morning.

The victim was walking along Manchester Road, after getting off the number 17 bus at the Abbott Street stop.

She noticed a man, who had been on the same bus and got off at the same stop, was following her before he grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. She screamed and kicked him before she ran off and called police.

The offender ran off in the direction of Ivor Street.

The man is described as being white, in his mid 20s/early 30s, of slim build, 5ft 7in tall with a long, pointed nose. He had a dot tattooed on each knuckle of his right hand and spoke with an eastern European accent. He wore a grey jacket, dark blue jeans, black trainers and grey woollen hat.

Detective Constable Laura Stubbs from Rochdale CID said: “This was obviously a terrifying attack that has left the victim shaken and we are determined to find who is responsible.

“The local community is bound to be concerned about this incident and I would like to reassure them we are investigating the case thoroughly.

“I would appeal to anyone who boarded the number 17 bus from Manchester city centre at 11.30pm and may have seen this man on the bus or may have seen him get off at the Abbott Street stop to please get in touch. We believe the bus was busy at this time and hope someone recognises the description of the man.

“I would ask women not to walk on their own late at night or in the early hours of the morning however, if you cannot avoid this, please be aware of your surroundings and remain vigilant.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 8716/8754 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, 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.