Fresh Appeal Over Manchester Rape

Greater Manchester Police have launched a fresh appeal for information over the rape of a young woman in Beswick earlier this year.

The incident happened at Ashton Old Road between 3:15am and 8:30am on April 11.

The 23-year-old victim had been with friends at Piccadilly Train Station hour earlier and was intoxicated. She later got chatting to the offender and agreed to go back to his house under the pretence of recharging her mobile phone.

They got a black cab outside the station around 3:15am and went to the house in Beswick where the woman fell asleep.

She awoke at some point later to find the offender raping her. After struggling free, she left the house and got a train back home, before contacting police.

Police have now released a picture of a man wanted in connection with the attack. The offender is described as black, possibly African, and aged between 35 and 40 years old. He was about 5ft 7ins tall and of a stocky build. He spoke English, but with a West African accent, and said his name was Francis and he was originally from Ghana. He was wearing a black jacket, trousers and shoes.

Detective Sergeant Shagufta Khan said: "This man took advantage of a young woman who was intoxicated and raped her.

"We have been investigating this rape for several months now and we now need the public's help to help us fit the missing pieces of the case together and find this man. The young woman has been through a traumatic ordeal so it is vital we find her attacker so she can have the peace of mind of knowing he is behind bars.

"We have released some stills of the man walking through the train station with this young woman and I would ask people to look at the images carefully and if it does jog your memory from that night, or you recognise this man, call us.

"I also want to appeal to any black cab drivers who may have picked up this pair at about 3:15am that night outside the train station. The woman was under the influence of alcohol, so you may remember this pair. If you do, then please call us, as you could have some vital information."

Photos are available on the website at: www.gmp.police.uk Anyone with any information should contact police on: 0161 856 3540 or Crimestopprs, anonymously, on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA)