Greater Manchester Police have arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape after two women reported being sexually assaulted in Rochdale during the early hours of Saturday.
What happened
Officers were called after the first report was received at 6.15am regarding an assault in Broadfield Park. A second call came in at 8.38am about a separate incident in Milnrow Memorial Park. Both victims told police they did not know the suspect and provided similar descriptions.
| Time | Location | Incident reference |
|---|---|---|
| 06:15 | Broadfield Park | 679 of 25/07/2026 |
| 08:38 | Milnrow Memorial Park | 880 of 25/07/2026 |
Detectives say both reports may be linked and have conducted enquiries including reviewing CCTV. Officers identified footage of a man matching the description in the Coco Lounge in Rochdale town centre; he was seen leaving the venue at about 5am.
Suspect description and arrest
Police asked the public to look out for a Black man believed to have been wearing a three-piece suit or smart black clothing with a dark coat and carrying a briefcase. Following enquiries a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape.
"We have a robust investigation underway and are working at pace to identify and locate the man responsible. Detectives are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry and we are committed to identifying whoever is responsible and bringing them to justice," said Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Willis.
Appeal to the public
Police are asking anyone with information to come forward. Useful items include mobile phone footage, dashcam, CCTV or doorbell recordings from Rochdale town centre, Broadfield Park or Milnrow Memorial Park during the early hours of Saturday.
- Contact Greater Manchester Police on 101, quoting incident numbers 679 and 880 of 25/07/2026.
- Report online via GMP’s LiveChat service.
- Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police have said there will be an increased presence in Broadfield Park, Milnrow Memorial Park and Rochdale town centre to provide reassurance while enquiries continue.
This is an ongoing investigation; no further details about the arrested man have been released and officers continue to interview witnesses and review evidence.
