Teen Allegedly Raped While Waiting For Friend At A Park, Search Underway For Suspect

The police in Manchester, England, are on the lookout for a suspect who allegedly raped a 17-year-old girl in a park.

The unidentified victim was waiting for a friend at Blackley Recreational Ground on Sunday night when she was attacked and raped by the suspect, who then fled the scene. A police case was registered and a section of the park was taped off. The condition of the victim was not revealed.

"We received a very serious report last night and we have a number of officers and detectives dedicated to investigating this incident, as well as supporting the victim," Chief Inspector Danny O'Neil said, Manchester Evening News reported.

"Initial enquiries suggest the girl was waiting for a friend she was meeting up with at the park when she was attacked,” he added, the BBC reported.

The police were reportedly "working at great speed" to identify and arrest the suspect. A police vehicle was stationed at the crime scene and forensic work was expected to be carried out Tuesday.

The authorities have sought public help in identifying the suspect, and have asked anyone with any information to contact them immediately.

"We are working at great speed to explore various lines of enquiry to determine the identity of the offender. If anyone has any information then please contact police on 0161 856 3902 quoting incident 2693 of 06/06/2021. Details can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111," O'Neil said.

The incident comes less than a month after a 13-year-old girl was sexually assaulted and robbed in Salford, England. The unidentified victim was walking toward her school when the accused approached her. He initiated a conversation with her before sexually assaulting her. He then stole the teen’s mobile phone and fled the scene. The police called it a "deeply concerning incident," and said the suspect had "sinister intentions." The authorities added that the victim was left shaken by it. She was being supported by specialist officers. The police patrolling was increased in the area following the incident.