Sex attacker strikes again
Police are appealing for witnesses after a number of women were sexually assaulted in Manchester City Centre. Between 1.55pm and 2.50pm today, Friday 7 October 2016, several reports of sexual assault were made to police. The reports are all of similar circumstances and location; Deansgate, St John’s Street, Byron Street, Peter Street and Deansgate Locks. A description of a black man, of a muscular build, with short black hair and wearing a grey hoody with black jeans and carrying a black jacket has been given to officers in most of the reports. Officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the assaults or a man fitting the description above to contact police. A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in connection with the incidents and remains in police custody for questioning. Detective Constable Paul Wilde of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “A man has preyed on woman in the city centre, conducting a tirade of sexual assaults and this will not be tolerated. “I’m appealing to anyone who may have witnessed a sexual assault at any of these locations today or anyone who saw a man fitting the description to get in contact. “Help and support is there for people who want to come forward and report sexual offences or speak to someone about the concerns they may have.” Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6075 or 101 quoting reference number 1195 of 07/10/16 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. 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. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514. - Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.