Police appeal for information after man sexually assaulted in alleyway

Officers investigating a rape in Stretford are appealing for a possible key witness to come forward.

Around 1am on Monday 28 May 2018, police were called to reports of a rape that happened in the early hours of the previous morning (Sunday 27 May) in Stretford.

A man in his 20s was walking along Cavendish Road when he reached an alleyway near to North Lonsdale Street.

He was approached from behind by a man and raped.

Officers investigating the rape are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around 1.30am on Sunday – including a taxi driver that drove past the alleyway, at which point the offender fled.

Examination of CCTV and house to house enquiries are ongoing and visible patrols will be the area.

Detective Sergeant Dave Jones of GMP’s Trafford Borough, said: “Our main priority is that the man receives the right support from specially trained officers and we follow all lines of enquiry available to us to find the person responsible.

“Although this happened in the early hours of the morning, it was bank holiday weekend so there may have been more people in the area than usual.

“We don’t have a full description of the offender at this stage so are particularly interested in speaking to the taxi driver who drove past the alleyway at that time as they may be a key witness in our investigation.

“If you were in the area or saw anything out of the ordinary, please come forward and help us either by calling the investigation team or by speaking to one of the officers who will be in the area.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 7747 quoting reference number 146 of 28/05/18 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.