Teenager sexually assaulted in Fallowfield

A TEENAGER has been sexually assaulted by a calculated predator in Fallowfield.

The 16-year-old was attacked on Liscard Avenue at about 8pm on Monday 23 November 2009.

She was approached by her attacker in an alleyway and pushed up against a fence. He then stole her mobile phone so she could not alert anyone and sexually assaulted her, before calmly walking away.

He is described as black, in his early 20s, about 6ft tall with wide nostrils, stubble and thick lips. He was of a muscular build and had very white, straight teeth that looked as if he had received dental work. He was wearing a black beanie hat, a black t-shirt, black trainers, tracksuit bottoms and gloves.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information to come forward and are urging people, particularly young women, to be vigilant.

Police Constable Rebecca Swann said: “I would like to praise the victim for her bravery in coming forward. By speaking out, she has provided us with an excellent description of her attacker so we can now both warn the public and appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.

“If anyone does recognise a man fitting this description, please come forward and speak to us because your information could be vital in finding this man and taking him off the streets.

“These type of incidents are thankfully rare and I would urge people not to panic.

“However, I know this will cause some concern in the community so I would urge people to always take precautions when walking late at night by only taking routes they are familiar with and that are well-lit. It is not always possible to walk in groups but, where possible, I would advise people to stay with their friends.

“The one thing we do not want is people to feel like they cannot go outside. We are doing everything we can to find this man and if the public do have information then we can progress our inquiries and hopefully take this man off the streets.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Longsight Police Station on 0161 856 4143 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 0161 872 5050 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.

St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This 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 either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.