Child rape investigation in Rochdale supermarket car park, four boys arrested
Four boys, aged 12 to 14, were arrested on suspicion of raping a child in a Morrisons car park in Newbold, Rochdale, on Saturday evening. One suspect has since been bailed.
Four boys arrested after alleged rape of child in Rochdale car park
Four boys — two aged 14, one aged 13, and one aged 12 — were arrested on suspicion of rape following an alleged attack on a child at the Morrisons car park in Newbold, Rochdale, at around 6pm on Saturday (12 February), manchestereveningnews.co.uk reports.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed a cordon was in place at the car park, near the Newbold Metrolink stop, the following day. A forensic tent was erected at the scene, and an entrance to the Newbold tram stop was also taped off by officers.
The Manchester Evening News understands that one of the four suspects has since been bailed. The age of the alleged victim was not disclosed by GMP, though she was described as a child. She is being supported by specialist officers.
Residents in the area reacted with shock after police were seen making door-to-door enquiries on Saturday night. Lynn Davies, who lives near the cordon, said: "I knew something had happened. The police came last night knocking on to ask if we had seen anything. It makes my skin crawl. It's bad enough when it's an adult, but children?"
A neighbour, John Hogkinson, 80, said officers had also called at his door. "We were shocked because it's so quiet around here," he said. "I've lived here for 17 years and I've never heard of anything like this. It's awful."
GMP has urged anyone with information to call 0161 856 8512, quoting log number 2601 of 10 February, or to submit information via the force's website. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Source: The Sun