Police are investigating a sexual assault committed against a student
Published on 29 October 14
At around 3.40am on Saturday 25th October 2014, the 19-year old victim was walking down Ladybarn Lane in Fallowfield when she was approached by a man who offered to walk her home.
She asked him to leave her alone, but he continued to pester her as she walked, trying to grab her and talk to her as she made her way down Ladybarn Lane travelling towards Whitby Road.
The man then sexually assaulted the victim in an alleyway that runs between Whitby Road and Filey Road.
The offender is described as black or Asian, about 5ft 9in tall with a slim build and very short black hair. He was clean shaven and was wearing baggy blue or grey jeans and a long-sleeved top.
The victim is receiving support from specially-trained officers and we will continue to offer whatever assistance she and her family need in the coming days and weeks.
The attack will understandably raise concerns within the community, however detectives are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry as part of the investigation in order to identify and apprehend the offender. There will be increased police patrols in the area over the coming days and weeks to provide reassurance.
Incidents of this nature are very rare. However, the following steps can help members of the community stay safe:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Stick to well-lit areas and avoid shortcuts
- If you think that you're in trouble or are feeling unsafe walk to the nearest Safe Zone or place of safety
- Travel in groups at night where possible
For more information, you can read our tips on staying safe.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Greater Manchester Police on 101, the Serious Sexual Offences Unit on 0161 856 1945 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre 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. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police. The centre can be contacted on 0161 276 6515.
Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential Helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic Helpline: 0161 273 4514.
Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact: 07919 246 267.