Just before 8.30pm yesterday (Sunday 3 December 2023), GMP were called to reports that a teenage girl had been the victim of a serious sexual assault in the Broughton area of Salford. Detectives believe it occurred in an alleyway between Howe Street and Back Howe Street after the victim was approached by a man as she turned into the alleyway. The man, described as a white male dressed in all black with a black face covering, followed and caught up with the victim before threatening and assaulting her. Detectives believe the man ran away from the scene towards Great Clowes Street and enquiries remain ongoing to trace him. Chief Inspector Lucy Smallwood, of GMP's Salford district, said: "We do not underestimate the considerable concern this will cause for the community and I want to stress that this incident is being treated with the utmost seriousness and sensitivity. "We are leaving no stone unturned in trying to establish the full circumstances around what happened and have a full team of detectives within our Crime Investigation Department making enquiries over the coming days. "We are appealing for information from the public, and I ask anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area around 8.20pm on Sunday 3 December to come forward and know that any information will be treated with the strictest confidence. "I would like to thank the victim for her bravery and co-operation so far, and remind people that the best support they can provide at this time is to share with us any information that could be relevant to our investigation. "We are committed to keeping people safe in our communities across Salford, and I can reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to reinforce this. "Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5187 quoting incident 2920 of 3/12/2023. "Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111" Have YOU been raped or sexually assaulted? This is something which affects people regardless of gender or sexuality and it is important to understand that it is NOT your fault and the person(s) responsible need to be stopped, held accountable and brought to justice. 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. Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515. Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182. Photo: Google Maps
