CCTV image released by detectives investigating Rochdale rape

Police have issued CCTV still of a man who appears to be running away from the scene of a rape in Rochdale

Police have issued CCTV still of a man who appears to be running away from the scene of a rape in Rochdale.

At about 2am on Saturday 28 July 2012, police were called to Belfield Lane in Rochdale following reports a 29-year-old woman had been raped.

The woman had been on a night out when she was grabbed from behind by an unknown man near to the junction with Samson Street, forced behind a row of houses and raped.

The offender is described as being Asian, 5ft 2in tall, of muscular build, in his late 30s, with short dark hair with long spikes on top and was clean shaven. He was wearing light coloured baggy jeans, a sandy coloured belt with a silver buckle and a dark hooded top with a light coloured top underneath. He wore a stud earring in his left ear and white trainers.

Detectives now believe the offender may have come from a group of around four or five Asian men who were seen at the corner of nearby Belfield Road and Reservoir Street shortly before the incident. One of these men also had short black hair but longer on top.

Police have released the CCTV still and are appealing to anyone who recognises the man to come forward.

Detective Inspector Debbie Dooley, of the Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: "Since our last public appeal we have had two significant developments that might help us catch the offender.

"Firstly, we have CCTV of a man who appears to be running away from the scene. Even though it is not of the best quality we have decided to release a still to the public because it might help potential witnesses recall something they may have seen.

"This man was running along Belfield Road towards Entwistle Road moments after the attack so it is possible he was involved or may have information that could help us.

"If you recognise him or remember seeing someone running in this direction then please get in touch. Also, we now believe there were a group of four or five men in the area, one of whom fits the description of the offender.

"Again, if this triggers a memory of something you saw or heard that night then we need to hear from you regardless of how insignificant you think it might be. If you think you recognise someone from the description but are worried about getting in touch I would urge you to do so as we can eliminate anyone who is innocent."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or 0161 856 1812, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical after care service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police. Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.