Gang-rape horror in park
A WOMAN was raped by a gang of men in a ‘random and sickening’ attack in a park.
Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the ‘truly horrendous’ incident in Kirkup Gardens, Wythenshawe, at just after 12.30am yesterday.
No arrests have been made and detectives are hunting down the gang behind the attack on the woman who is aged in her 20s.
Residents told of their shock after they woke up to find entrances into Kirkup Gardens, off Simonsway and Longhope Road, taped off by police.
An area of grass near the play area was cordoned off and police guarded each gate into the park.
One resident said: “It’s awful. I just hope she’s okay. It’s a big worry, it being so local.
“There’s never any trouble in the park normally and it’s really wellused”.
Woodhouse Park councillor Brian O’Neil said: “I would ask women please do not let this particular crime put you off doing what you need to do. Should anybody be scared of going in a park? No. Should anyone be scared of walking home at night? No.
“I would like to reassure women that we will do everything we can to make women feel safe. To anyone who might have seen anything – this could have been your wife and daughter. Don’t be afraid to speak up and contact the police.”
Mr O’Neil’s wife, former councillor Barbara O’Neil, added: “When it is so near to you and you think you know that park so well, it made me feel sick to be honest.
“I have got granddaughters and daughters-in-law so this is really pertinent to me. Women shouldn’t have to think about whether they feel safe at night.”
Woodhouse Park councillor and lead member for women at Manchester council, Sarah Judge, said: “It is a terrifying thing for the community when something like this happens. Recently we passed the motion through council dealing with violence against women.
“This terrible attack proves the absolute need for us to do more on this subject.”
Chief Insp Cara Charlesworth, of GMP’s City of Manchester South Division, said: “A truly horrendous incident took place last night and we are supporting the victim with our specialist officers.
“At this stage this appears to have been a random and sickening attack and our officers are working tirelessly to identify those responsible. In the meantime, we have increased our police presence in the area, and the public should feel reassured that if they have any concerns they can approach our officers directly.”
■ Anyone with information can contact police on 0161 8566063, quoting incident 73 of 20/04/2021 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.