A local man has been charged after two women reported being assaulted in public parks in Rochdale on Saturday morning.
Charges and court appearance
Greater Manchester Police say 23‑year‑old Harvey Symes, who is described by officers as a black British national from Milnrow, has been charged with two counts of attempted rape and making threats to kill. He is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Where and when the incidents were reported
Police received two separate reports of sexual assault on Saturday morning, with the calls coming around an hour and a half apart. The force statement gives the following times and locations:
- 06:15 — incident reported at Broadfield Park, Rochdale
- 08:38 — separate report of assault at Milnrow Memorial Park
| Time | Location | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| 06:15 | Broadfield Park | Sexual assault reported |
| 08:38 | Milnrow Memorial Park | Separate sexual assault reported |
What is known so far
The charges were authorised following the two reports to Greater Manchester Police. No further details about the alleged incidents, victims or any motive have been disclosed by the force. Symes’s date of birth and local address in Milnrow were provided in the police announcement; beyond the charges and court listing, additional information has not been published.
Court proceedings will be the next formal step in the criminal process. Magistrates’ court hearings typically consider bail and the onward listing of cases; if guilty pleas are not entered, matters in serious sexual offences are commonly committed to the Crown Court for trial.
Practical information for residents
- If you witnessed anything in the Broadfield Park or Milnrow Memorial Park areas on Saturday morning, GMP asks that you contact them through normal channels.
- Anyone with relevant mobile phone footage, doorbell camera clips or other evidence that could assist the investigation should preserve it and inform police.
- Victims of sexual assault can seek confidential support from local sexual violence services and NHS urgent care — details are available from Rochdale Council and health providers.
Further updates will follow as the police or court publish more information about the case.
