Man arrested by detectives investigating rape of teenager

A man has been arrested by detectives investigating the rape of a teenager in Rochdale.

At about 12.40am on Saturday 1 December 2012, a 17-year-old girl was on Fleece Street when she was approached by a man in a car who offered her a lift home.

She accepted and the man took her to her house in Newbold.

During the journey he made threats towards her, leaving her frightened for her safety.

As she opened her front door the man got out of his car and followed her in.

Taking advantage of her drunken state he then raped her.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of rape and bailed until February 2013, pending further enquiries.

Detective Sergeant Martin Ashurst, of the Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “We are continuing to support the victim and do all we can to identify the offender.

“We have arrested a 25-year-old man as part of this investigation but I would be eager to hear from anyone who might have information about this incident but for whatever reason is yet to come forward and speak to us.

“As we enter the final weekend before Christmas I would also like to remind people of just how important is it to keep yourself safe if you are going out celebrating and socialising with friends.

“You can have a better and safer time by following a few simple safety tips, such as only travelling in pre-booked taxis, always staying with friends and by not walking home alone.”

Tips on how people can have a fun safe night out:

Take safe transport:
- When planning to go out, plan to get home safely
- Try to pre-book a taxi before going out and arrange to be picked up from a safe, well lit, meeting point
- Find out where taxi ranks are and try to choose staffed ones
- If alone, book a taxi firm you know and trust. Do not get into a private hire car (they look like a normal car) unless you have booked them first. Only hackney carriages (traditional black cabs) are insured to carry passengers who have flagged them down. Always sit in the back, preferably behind the driver
- Some pubs and clubs will book you a taxi and allow you to wait in their premises.
- Never accept a lift from a stranger

Walking:
- Avoid walking home alone. If you have no other choice, walk in the middle of the pavement and avoid short cuts through dimly lit deserted areas. Face ongoing traffic where you can be seen as this will avoid the surprise of a vehicle approaching from behind
- If you think you are being followed, cross the street several times if necessary. If you still think you are being followed, walk to the busiest area you can find or knock on somebody's door.

Pace your drinks:
- To enjoy a longer night out pace your drinks and drink plenty of water
- Always try to eat something before a night out. This will help soak up the alcohol
- If you feel too drunk, switch to soft drinks for a while. Water will rehydrate your brain, help stop dizziness, lessen the hangover pain and help prevent queasiness.

Friends stay together:
- Go into town together and leave together. Do not wander off from your friends without letting anyone know where you are going and arrange a meeting point in case you do become separated.
- Always keep your mobile phone with you incase you get separated from your friends or need to call for help.