Greater Manchester Police have charged a man following two alleged sexual assaults in public parks in Rochdale on Saturday 25 July.
Charges and court appearance
Harvey Symes, aged 23, of Simeon Street, Milnrow, has been charged with two counts of attempted rape and making threats to kill. He is scheduled to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Where the incidents happened
Police say the alleged offences involved two women and took place in public green spaces in the borough:
- Broadfield Park — a town-centre park used by local residents and visitors;
- Milnrow Memorial Park — the community park in Milnrow.
The force statement identifies both incidents as occurring on the morning of Saturday 25 July. No further victim details have been released by police.
Local impact and policing response
Incidents of this nature in public parks can unsettle local communities, particularly given their proximity to residential areas and routes used by people walking, exercising and travelling to work and school. Greater Manchester Police has not issued a public appeal for witnesses in the material provided, but inquiries remain ongoing.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Harvey Symes, 23 |
| Address | Simeon Street, Milnrow |
| Charges | Two counts of attempted rape; making threats to kill |
| Alleged locations | Broadfield Park; Milnrow Memorial Park |
| Date of incidents | 25 July |
| Next court hearing | Manchester Magistrates’ Court — Monday |
Anyone with information about the incidents who has not already spoken to officers is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police. If you witnessed anything in either park on the morning of 25 July or have dashcam or doorbell footage that could assist inquiries, please make contact with police quoting the incident references given in their public communications.
This is a developing story and further details will be reported when confirmed by the force or at court.
