Woman raped in Manchester city centre - police issue appeal for information

Police have launched an urgent appeal for information after a woman was raped in Manchester city centre.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say they are investigating the sexual attack on the woman, who is in her 20s, which happened in the early hours of a weekend morning back in August. Police say they have been working on the disturbing case since it happened but now need the public’s help to identify the person responsible and bring them to justice.

Anyone who was out in Manchester on the night in question, or has CCTV cameras covering the area near where the attack happened, are being urged to get in touch with officers.

What happened to the woman?

Police say that on Saturday 13 August they received reports that a woman had been raped in the city centre. The incident is reported to have taken place some time between 2am and 5.45am on the benches at the Vimto Monument on Granby Row.

The victim, a woman in her 20s, was sat on the benches before being approached by an unknown man with short, dark hair. The man then proceeded to rape the woman.

Police say they think a member of the public disturbed the offender while he was carrying out the sexual attack and this caused him to flee the scene. Officers are particularly keen for this person to come forward and share any information they may have.

Anyone who was out on that evening in the area of Granby Row between 2am and 5.45am or has any CCTV footage or information regarding this incident is being asked to contact GMP on 0161 856 6049, quoting log number 785 of the date 13/08/2022. Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

What have police said?

Detective Inspector Mark Astbury, from GMPs City of Manchester district, said: “Since August, we have followed up on a number of enquiries and we now need the public’s help to identify this man. It is believed that a member of the public disturbed the offender during the incident causing him to run away. If you are this person, please do get in touch with us, as you may be able to help our investigation.

“Our specialist officers are supporting the victim and we will do all we can to make sure the offender faces justice. We appreciate that the description of the offender is very limited, however, we are hoping that someone may have witnessed this incident or may have information that can help us.”