Four boys, aged between 12 and 14, have been apprehended by Rochdale police on suspicion of rape. The Greater Manchester Police (GMP) responded to a reported rape incident in the Newbold area around 6pm GMT on Saturday. The four suspects are currently in custody.
The crime scene, located on Kingsway, remains active and the young female victim is receiving support. Forensic officers have been working at the scene all day, with a police dog team assisting by searching the surrounding undergrowth.
The cordoned-off area is situated in a corner of a busy car park, approximately 100m from a supermarket entrance and 50m from the Newbold tram stop, a popular commuting spot for Rochdale town centre.
The police are appealing to anyone who was in the vicinity or might have witnessed anything to come forward. A GMP spokesperson stated: “Four boys aged 12, 13, 14, 14 have been arrested on suspicion of rape and remain in police custody. The victim is currently being supported by specialist officers.”
They further encouraged victims of rape or sexual assault not to remain silent but to report the incident to the police or a support agency to receive necessary help and support.
