Police release CCTV of a man suspected of sexually assaulting a teenage girl in Rochdale town centre

Still from the CCTV footage at B&M Bargains

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Footage of a man who sexually assaulted a teenage girl in Rochdale town centre last month has been released.

The teenage girl first saw the man whilst she was shopping in B&M Bargains on Yorkshire Street, Rochdale.

She was approached in the store by the man who started talking to her. The girl politely responded and walked away. At this point the man left the store.

The girl then left the shop and saw the man waiting outside. He then proceeded to ask her for her phone number. The girl denied but the man began to ask if she wanted to go for a drink or go back to his flat despite not knowing her age.

The man then followed the girl towards some steps on Baillie Street where he sexually assaulted her.

The incident happened on Thursday 19 December shortly after 3:35pm.

After the assault the man apologised and walked away. The girl then found a police officer and reported the incident.

The man is described as black, in his late 20s, of average build. At the time of the incident he was wearing a brown bubble jacket with black sleeves, red jeans, grey trainers and a white beanie hat with a black stripe.

Detective Constable Chris Whalley, based at Rochdale police station said: “We have released CCTV footage which shows a man in B & M Bargains just before the young girl was sexually assaulted outside the premises a short time later.

“The man’s clothing is extremely distinctive – a brown bubble jacket with red jeans and a beanie hat - and I am hopeful someone will recognise him from these CCTV images.

“If you do then I would please ask you to get in touch with the investigation team and help us identify the individual that has targeted this lone young girl.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact officers at Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team on 0161 856 8458 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.