SALFORD MAN BAILED AFTER BEING ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF RAPE AND INCITING THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF A 16-YEAR-OLD ROCHDALE GIRL

A man from Salford has been bailed by police after being arrested on suspicion of raping a 16-year-old girl from Rochdale.

On Monday, January 20, police say that a 44-year-old was arrested on suspicion of rape and later also on suspicion of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child.

Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday 15 January 2020, police received a report that the 16-year-old girl had been raped by a man during an incident which took place in a vehicle parked in the nearby Smallbridge area of the town.

Detectives also believe the offender had been communicating with the victim online in the days before the attack took place.

An investigation is ongoing and specialist officers are pursuing significant lines of enquiry.

Superintendent Richard Hunt, of GMP Rochdale, said:

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"The welfare of the victim remains a top priority and, as such, specialist officers and partner agencies are continuing to support her and her family at what is, undoubtedly, a distressing time for them.

“I would like to use this opportunity to thank members of the public for their response to our appeal and, in particular, the people of Wardle who have been patient whilst investigation work caused disruption in the area.

"I am aware of rumours circulating in the community and on social media and the understandable concerns of members of the public but I would ask that they refrain from circulating these rumours or speculating about what happened as it will inevitably cause further distress for the victim and her family.

“Instead, I would encourage anyone with information that may assist us to get in touch with the investigation team.”

 

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 836 4646 quoting 2066 15/01/2020.

Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.