Afghan man charged with rape of 17-year-old in Manchester city centre

Abdul Shinwari, 24, of no fixed abode, faces two counts of rape and sexual assault after an incident near Piccadilly Gardens at 1:30am on 14 July.

Afghan man charged with rape and sexual assault near Piccadilly Gardens

An Afghan man has been charged with the rape of a 17-year-old girl in Manchester city centre, the Daily Express reports. Abdul Shinwari, 24, of no fixed abode, was arrested following an incident on Hope Street, near Piccadilly Gardens, at around 1:30am on 14 July 2026.

Shinwari faces two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, non-fatal strangulation, and possession with intent to supply. He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear before Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that specialist safeguarding officers are continuing to support the victim.

Piccadilly Gardens has drawn repeated attention from authorities over its association with low-level crime and anti-social behaviour. Manchester City Council has put forward a series of proposals aimed at improving safety in the area, including brighter lighting and additional CCTV cameras.

Interim council leader Garry Bridges said the plans reflected what residents had made clear they wanted. "They want the area to look better and feel safer and that's exactly what we're going to deliver," he said. "There has already been significant investment in the area — including extra police and council resources — with even more on the way."

Source: Daily Express