Parents are now being told to be vigilant after a 15-year-old girl was raped in Little Hulton on the weekend.
The teenager was attacked when she was walking down an alleyway on Hilton Street, at around 10pm on Sunday January 10.
Her attacker, who is described as white and in his 40s, punched the young girl in the head as he approached her from behind before raping her.
Greater Manchester Police are appealing for anyone who has information to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Clare Devlin said: “I understand that the news a 15-year-old girl has been attacked and raped by a stranger will cause considerable unease and distress in this community.
“The purpose of this appeal is not to unduly scare people but it is important we inform them about this appalling incident, not only so they can help us find the culprit but so they can also take the necessary precautions until he is caught.
“This young girl suffered the sort of traumatic ordeal no-one should ever have to experience and we are offering her as much support as she needs at this difficult time.”
Police say the offender is 5ft 6in tall, of a big build and with a large belly. He was wearing a black woolly hat, a blue bubble coat, black tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.
DCI Devlin said: “The best peace of mind we can give this young girl and her family is to have this man locked up so we are appealing to the public to help us.
“If you recognise the man from this description, or you have seen him hanging around this area before, then please call us. Any scrap of information could be vital.”
Specially-trained officers are now working closely with the teenage victim as she comes to terms with what has happened.
Residents have been told that there will be an increase of police patrols around Hilton Street and surrounding areas while the investigation continues.
DCI Devlin said: “I also want to reassure residents living and working in this community that we will act on any information to catch this man and high-visibility patrols will be in the area both to provide a reassuring presence but also to help catch this man.
“In the interim, I would urge parents to advise their children to stick together, keep to well-lit areas and avoid taking shortcuts where possible.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
