Police say the arrest of a man on suspicion of sexual assault in Wythenshawe is not linked to other attacks in Newall Green.
Shortly after 11.20pm on Wednesday 24 October 2013, police were called to Wythenshawe Road following reports of a sexual assault.
Officers attended and a short time later a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
Specially trained officers have been dealing with the victim, a 17-year-old girl, and enquiries are ongoing.
Superintendent Sarah Jones said: “We are still at the early stages of this enquiry and we will do all we can to get to the bottom of what happened here.
“Clearly, however, an incident of this nature will cause increased concern, particularly at this time when we are continuing with a further rape investigation, and the ongoing investigation into a series of sexual assaults which have happened over a period of time in Newall Green.
“I would like to say that last night’s incident is isolated and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it. Neither are we connecting the two most recent incidents either to each other or to the earlier reported series where an offender has inappropriately touched women whilst in the street.
“We would like to ask the community of Wythenshawe to remain calm whilst officers continue with the painstaking investigations which such serious offences require.
“Speculation connecting these incidents is not helpful and I would ask the community to think carefully before they raise concerns in respect of incidents which are entirely unconnected, not of a sexual nature and form part of the normal day to day policing of Wythenshawe.
“We would always ask members of the community to consider their own safety when out and about, particularly at night. However, we are not requesting anybody take any specific special measures to protect themselves as we believe common sense personal safety precautions are sufficient.
“We have more officers on patrol and will continue to have an increased presence in the area in order to reassure the community.
“If anyone has any genuine information, they should call us, and we will keep the community informed.”
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4882 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
I am concerned about vulnerable people e.g. elderly dog walkers who don’t have internet access and have not heard of the spate of sex attacks (at least 7 in a few weeks) in Wythenshawe. I wonder how the people who’ve been attacked feel by your implication that they lacked ‘common sense’, since you seem to be saying common sense would repel an attacker! I believe the community as a whole should be warned by all available news media – this is ‘common sense’ to me, as extra vigilance may save people from attack and help catch these evil monsters.
Editor’s comment – Just to clarify – the comment you refer to is the view of the police. With reference to the other point you make – I fully agree that all news media needs to be reporting this. Wythenshawe needs a weekly printed newspaper to reach those people who don’t have access to the internet.
Hi Dave
My comment about ‘common sense’ was aimed at the author of the statement who is a member of GMP and in no way aimed at your publication, at least you are doing your bit in alerting the public – thanks for that. I just do not understand why there isn’t wider media coverage of so many incidents in such a short time period. People that are aware, are very concerned but I’ve met several who don’t even know about the attacks.
I have asked GMP Wythenshawe why there’s not wider media coverage, but they have not replied.
Cheers
Angi