Officers are keen to locate a man after a teenager was sexually assaulted while he was fishing in #Rochdale.
Police were called to reports that a 14-year-old boy had been sexually assaulted by the canal near to Hollingworth Road, Littleborough around 5.20pm yesterday evening (Tuesday 4 September).
The teenager had been fishing when he was approached by a man who told him to head to another body of water a short distance away as he’d have better chance of attracting fish.
When he moved to that location, he was sexually assaulted by the man before managing to run away to safety.
The boy is being supported by specially trained officers and enquiries to locate a man are ongoing.
The man officers want to speak to is described as white, around 60-years-old, 5ft 9in tall, of small build with balding white hair, a slight beard and a jumper.
Detective Sergeant Paul Davies of GMP’s Rochdale Borough, said: “We’ve been in the area where the offence took place to gather as much evidence as we can and, from what we know at the moment, a man matching this same description was seen near to the canal a few days ago.
“If anyone has seen a man matching the description – it may be that he is local to the area or a frequent visitor – or saw anyone acting suspiciously last night, please get in touch with us as soon as you possibly can.
“While I understand this is extremely concerning for people who live nearby, we are supporting the teenager and will do everything we can to find that person responsible.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8441 quoting reference number 1851 of 04/09/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.
- If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
- You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.
- St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester 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 via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.
- Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500.
- Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 0161 236 2182.