Appeal after rapist targets prostitutes

POLICE are appealing for witnesses and information after three prostitutes were raped and another sexually assaulted in Manchester city centre on Tuesday night.

The incidents all took place in the Fairfield Street area of the city between 8.30 and 10.30pm.

The first incident, on North Western Street, happened around 8.40pm. Around 20 minutes later a second incident was reported off Palmerson Street.

A third incident on Betley Street then occurred at around 10.20pm, followed shortly by a final incident near Every Street. It is believed all four offences are linked.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on a bus heading out of Manchester on suspicion of rape shortly after the final reported incident. He is currently in police custody.

Chief Superintendent Russ Jackson said: “These are very serious sexual attacks involving violence and we are very seriously concerned.

“Thankfully, none of the women suffered serious injuries but they are understandably traumatised. We are working closely with specially-trained officers to obtain their accounts so that we can bring the person responsible to justice.

“The women describe themselves as sex workers and we are treating these incidents as clearly linked attacks upon them.

“It is absolutely vital if anyone witnessed any of these incidents or saw a man acting suspiciously on the Piccadilly Trading Estate between 8 and 10.30pm last night that they contact police.

“Anyone who has information about the incidents or anyone else who may have been a victim should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.

to read the full version of this story buy the Chronicle or subscribe to the digital editions.