A man hunt has been launched after an 11-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Wigan.
The incident occurred at around 8.30am on either Monday 29 or Tuesday 30 June 2015 when the girl on Sandway, near to Beech Hill Lane.
A man grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her. The girl managed to break free and ran away.
The man is described as white, around 40-years old, approximately 5ft 8in tall and of skinny build, with long black hair and stubble. He was wearing light blue baggy jeans and a light-coloured t-shirt.
Detective Inspector Martin Reddington of Wigan division said: “The girl is extremely distressed by what happened and we are working closely and sensitively with her to establish the facts.
“The attack happened in clear daylight so there may well have been people who were walking to work or school and either saw what happened or saw this man. It is possible he may have been in the area for some time. If you did see him, please call us.
Greater Manchester Police are asking for anybody who has any information about the incident to come forward, as their information could be crucial in the search to find the offender.
“I am appealing to anyone who may have seen a man matching this description in the area to phone police as soon as possible, any information you provide could be vital in finding out who is responsible,” he said.
“It is also possible that this incident may be linked to another incident that occurred around the same time on Woodhouse Lane, Wigan and enquiries into this are ongoing.
“I would like to reassure the community we are doing all we can to find the offender and a dedicated plan is in place with officers patrolling the area.”
If you have any information regarding the incident, please call police on 0161 856 7124. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
In addition, if you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, report it to the police or a support agency so you can benefit from the help and support that is available.
To report a crime all Greater Manchester Police on 101, or for advice and help contact St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre by calling 0161 276 6515.
The Centre, based in Manchester, provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault.
Their services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.
Image courtesy of Google StreetView, with thanks.
