Man arrested following 'utterly shocking' rape of a 14-year-old girl

Police were called to a report of a rape on the canal tow path near to Dale Street in Manchester

Detectives investigating the rape of a 14-year-old girl close to the canal towpath in Manchester city centre in July have arrested a man in connection with the incident.

Shortly after 6.50pm on Saturday, July 11, 2020, police were called to a report of a rape on the canal tow path near to Dale Street in Manchester. 

Enquiries have established that the girl and her friends were approached by a group of men close to the scene at around 5.15pm, before the man raped her. 

The girl and her family are being supported by specialist officers and external partner agencies.

A 20-year-old man made contact with police on Monday (August 10) evening and was later arrested on suspicion of rape.

He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Officers are continuing to appeal to the public with information to come forward.

Detective Constable Katy Shadwell, of GMP’s Longsight CID, said: “This utterly shocking incident has caused great upset and distress for the victim and our specialist officers, alongside external partners, continue to support her at this awful time.

“While we have had a man in custody in relation to this incident, it is vital that we are able to gauge as much information about this attack as possible.

“If there are any details that you know and are yet to share with us, I urge you to get in touch and ensure that whoever is responsible for this sickening crime is brought to justice.”

Anyone with any information about the incident or the identity of the man pictured should call police on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident number 2439 of 11/07/2020. 

Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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