Police investigating an attack on a 90-year-old woman in Rochdale have now said there is ‘no forensic evidence’ that she was raped.
Tests were fast-tracked by detectives after the vulnerable woman was attacked in broad daylight on her way to the butchers on Tuesday morning.
However police have now claimed that there is no forensic evidence that an attack of a sexual nature took place.
The elderly attack victim said in a video interview that she had been raped after she had been knocked unconscious in what has been described as an ‘horrific attack’.
Police have confirmed they are continuing to investigate the attack and are supporting the lady through this difficult time.
Superintendent Alistair Mallen based at Rochdale, said: “We are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of what happened to her. Something has clearly happened to this lady so we would like to hear from anyone who saw anything.
“It is important to state that was a report made in good faith, by an elderly, vulnerable lady and, as such, people would always expect us to investigate thoroughly.
“When we receive a report of this nature we will always investigate to establish the full facts and, alongside this, we will do everything we can to support the victim.”
Superintendent Mallen also defended Greater Manchester Police’s decision to go public with the appeal.
“People may question why we took the decision to go public and, to that, I can say that we had a duty of care to both the complainant and to the wider public,” he said.
When making these decisions we have to weigh up the need to inform the public with the need to reassure them that they are not in any danger.
“Every case is considered on its individual merits at that particular time and, in this case, it was felt the community needed to be made aware.
“The most important aspect to remember is that we will always investigate reports of sexual offences and we always encourage victims to speak to the police.”
The victim described how a she felt a hand go over her mouth and was dragged backwards off Spotland Street on Tuesday morning.
She lost consciousness before later waking on the floor and realising she had been attacked. She walked to her butchers and raised the alarm.
Police are urging anyone who may have any information to get in touch with them.
The offender is described as white, while the victim was white and was walking down Spotland Road before 7am wearing a white summer dress with a floral print and a cardigan.
“We are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have seen this lady to help us piece together exactly what happened,” Superintendent Mallen said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police in Rochdale on 0161 856 8470/8420 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks.
