Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape after reports of sexual assaults in Rochdale in the early hours of Saturday.
What happened
Police said the force received two separate reports from women alleging sexual assault. The first was reported at around 06:15 BST in Broadfield Park. The second was reported at about 08:38 BST in Milnrow Memorial Park. The parks lie roughly three miles (around 5km) apart.
| Time (BST) | Location | Report |
|---|---|---|
| 06:15 | Broadfield Park | Woman reported sexual assault |
| 08:38 | Milnrow Memorial Park | Woman reported sexual assault |
| ~05:00 | Rochdale town centre (Ko-Ko Lounge) | CCTV footage identified a man matching the description |
Officers said both victims told investigators they did not know the man and gave similar descriptions of the suspect. CCTV enquiries identified footage of a man matching that description leaving the Ko-Ko Lounge in Rochdale town centre at about 05:00 BST, police added.
"You will see an increased police presence in Broadfield Park, Milnrow Memorial Park and Rochdale town centre over the coming days and throughout this evening."
The arrested man remains in custody for questioning as enquiries continue. Specialist officers are supporting the victims.
Ongoing appeal and how to help
Detectives are continuing their enquiries and asking anyone with information to contact GMP. Practical ways to pass information include:
- Call GMP on 101 quoting incident numbers 79 and 880 of 25/07/2026
- Use the LiveChat service on the GMP website
- Contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
Officers have said there will be an increased visible police presence in the areas named while enquiries continue. Anyone who was in Broadfield Park, Milnrow Memorial Park or Rochdale town centre between the early hours of Saturday and who has dashcam, phone video or other relevant CCTV footage is asked to come forward.
Local residents and park users who are concerned about safety can expect patrols and reassurance activity from GMP in the short term. The force has emphasised that enquiries remain active and urged anyone with information, however small, to assist the investigation.
