Police investigating the rape of a sixteen year old girl in Rochdale last week have released a 44-year-old man from Salford who waas arrested on suspicion of rape earlier this week.
He was later also arrested on suspicion of inciting the sexual exploitation of a child. He has now been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Shortly after 5pm on Wednesday 15 January 2020, police received a report that a 16-year-old girl had been raped by a man.
Enquiries have helped officers develop a clearer understanding of what happened and the investigation team now understand that the 16-year-old girl was attacked in vehicle in the nearby Smallbridge area.
Detectives also believe the offender had spoken to the victim online in the days prior to the attack.The investigation is continuing and specialist officers are pursuing significant lines of enquiry.
Superintendent Richard Hunt, of GMP’s Rochdale division, said “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.”
