Woman sexually assaulted at Birch Services

A woman was sexually assaulted at 7.30am on Thursday 5 April 2012 as she returned to her car at Birch Services. 

The 28-year-old woman and was approached by a man who asked if he could take photographs of her. She refused, but he continued to ask and took photographs on his phone.

He held the door open while the victim tried to close it, however, the man reached into the car and put the camera below the steering wheel and took photos of her knees and thighs before walking away in the direction of the services.

The offender is described as a white man, 50-years-old, about 5ft 9in, of average build, he was clean shaven and wore a black woollen hat.

Detective Constable Janice Cruttwell from Rochdale CID said: “This man had the audacity to approach a woman at a busy service station in broad daylight.

“The woman was petrified as he approached her and forced her car door open while he took photographs.

“If you were at Birch services on Thursday 5 April and witnessed the incident or saw someone acting suspiciously, please contact the police with any information.

“We believe that a similar incident happened a few months ago and I would appeal for the victim to come forward and report it to the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the CID on 0161 856 4644, 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 101 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.