Rape inquiry: Man is released
DETECTIVES investigating the rape of a 16-year-old girl say they are pursuing significant lines of inquiry.
The teenager, who was wearing school uniform, was attacked at around 5pm near Birch Road, in Wardle, on Wednesday, January 15.
She was walking through an alley off when she was pushed to the ground by a man who raped her.
Police said they had arrested a man on suspicion of rape on Monday.
However, he has since been released and will face no further action.
A police spokesman said: “The investigation is continuing and officers are currently pursuing further significant lines of enquiry.”
Superintendent Richard Hunt, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “Our thoughts are with the young girl and her family during this difficult time. She will continue to be supported by specialist officers throughout this ordeal and I would like to praise her for her bravery during the investigation.
“Our officers have worked tirelessly over the weekend to significantly progress our investigation, which has led to this arrest.
“I would also like to inform the community that we are doing all we can to reassure residents in Wardle and investigate the incident.
“Therefore you will see extra patrols across the area over the next few days.
“If you have any questions or concerns please speak with our officers in the area.” Police earlier released a video appealing for information and reassuring the community. In the video, Supt
Hunt said: “I’d like to reassure the community that we have got a robust investigation ongoing.
“We have a mobile police station here at the scene and we have got police officers and PCSOs that are doing house to house - they are going to be in the area over the next few days to offer some reassurance to residents.
“I can understand that people will be upset and scared and concerned about what’s happened.”
He added: “This incident took place at a relatively busy time of day, and I am appealing for any witnesses or anyone who has seen something suspicious to contact us.
“Even the smallest detail could be of the upmost importance in helping us with our enquiries.”
The mobile police station will be based on Birch Road and be staffed seven days a week between 7am and 9pm.
Anyone with any information should contact police on 0161 856 4646, quoting incident number 2066 of 15/01/2020.