Man arrested on suspicion of rape

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman in Rochdale during the early hours of Tuesday morning (3 September).

Police were called to the subway on The Esplanade, shortly before 3.15am, to reports that a woman had been raped.

Officers attended and a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape. He remains in custody for questioning.

The woman – who is in her 30s – is being supported by specially trained officers.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4646, quoting incident number 277 of 03/09/19.

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Help and support

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, there is help and support available. 

You can report it to Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report. 

For more information about reporting rape or sexual assault, please visit: 

• rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/looking-for-information/reporting-to-the-police/what-happens-if-i-report/

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare 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 via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral. 

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. 

Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 0161 236 2182