A teenage boy who was raped as he walked his dog through a park in Ashton-under-Lyne has come forward after months of being too ‘traumatised’ to report it.
The 14-year-old was walking in the Park Bridge area, when he was grabbed from behind and restrained, with his arm being his back, and sexually assaulted.
The horrific incident took place on Sunday November 2, last year, around 3pm in the afternoon and police are now appealing to anybody with information to come forward.
Detective Inspector Richard Ennis, said: “This was a terrifying attack on a teenage boy who has been left traumatised by the events. He felt he could not report the attack until now and we have specially trained officers providing any support they can.
“I’d like to reassure both him and the community that we have a team of experienced detectives working on the case and we are determined to catch the man responsible.
“I would those who regularly use the area to cast their mind back to that day. Did you see anyone fitting the description near to the heritage centre or were you approached by someone similar? If you did, please call us immediately.
“We have increased patrols in the area and I would ask those who feel concerned by what has happened to speak to their local officer. As part of our inquiries, we will be asking those who run, walk and cycle in the area for any information they may have.”
The offender is described as white, aged between 30-40, and around 5ft 8in tall, with pale skin and no facial hair, small legs and a big torso.
He had a ‘stubby build’ and short black spiked hair on the top with blonde short back and sides.
He was wearing a silver watch on his right wrist.
Detective Inspector Richard Ennis added: “Incidents like this quite rightly cause concern in the community, but I want to reassure everyone that we are treating this extremely seriously and now want to hear from anyone who may have heard or saw anything.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police 0161 856 9350 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
