An e-fit of a man suspected of raping a 13-year-old girl while she was playing with friends in Collyhurst has been released.
The rape happened sometime between June 25 and July 20 when the girl was playing with friends on The Croft, New Allen Street.
She was grabbed from behind and raped and was threatened with a repeat attack if she went to police. The girl then reported the incident to her teacher this month.
The police have warned residents to be alert as the man is dangerous and violent with superintendent Neil Bholé crediting the girl for her bravery in coming forward.
“This young girl was subjected to a terrifying ordeal by a total stranger,” he said.
“It is totally understandable the girl felt so unable to tell someone what happened until now, such was the fear and distress this man has caused.
“The young girl has shown incredible bravery to produce an accurate image of what her attacker looked like, so if you see someone matching this image then please do not approach him and call police immediately.”
He is described as being black, in his mid-30s, about 5ft 10in tall, with brown eyes and with a mark to the side of his right eyebrow.
He had short black hair with a line shaved horizontally into his hair just above his forehead. He spoke with an ‘accent’ and was wearing a black adidas tracksuit with white stripes.
Superintendent Bholé added: “I understand how concerned local people will be and our aim is not to cause alarm people and help us find this man.
“Until he is caught, I ask people to carry on their daily routines and take the necessary and right precautions, such as keeping to well-lit areas, staying with friends, not taking shortcuts etc. These may seem like small things but they are really important and I ask parents to pass this advice onto their children.
“Again, if you have any information then please come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact officers directly on 0161 856 1911 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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