Info appeal from GMP

Important message from GMP City Centre
 
A man was robbed and then raped in Manchester city centre.
 
The incident happened on Spear Street near London Road, Piccadilly at about 3am on Saturday 16 March 2013.
 
The 21-year-old man was walking home when the offender threatened him with a bottle, demanding his mobile phone and cash, which the victim handed over.
 
The man was then raped by the offender, who is described as being white, 5ft 7in tall, in his mid 30s and with a shaved head. He was wearing a dark coat, dark jeans and dirty white trainers. He spoke with a local accent.
 
Detectives are appealing for witnesses.
 
Detective Inspector Damian Simpson said: "This young man has been left devastated by this attack.

  "The city was very busy at this time with revellers trying to get home, so I would urge anyone who may have seen this incident, or who may have seen anything suspicious to call us. 
 
"We have launched a thorough investigation into this incident and have made it a priority to find the man responsible for this attack.
 
"We have an excellent relationship with the community of Manchester's Gay Village and will harness these links to help us investigate this crime and offer reassurance on the ground."
 
Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.
 
St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester

VILLAGE BUSINEES ASSOCIATION REACTION..

The VBA and its members are shocked to hear about the robbery and rape which took place recently on the outskirts of Manchester’s Gay Village. While the Association cannot comment on live police investigations, we would like to make it clear that this incident did not take place within Manchester’s Gay Village.

It is our understanding at this moment in time that the victim had not spent the entire night on the Gay Village and was not targeted because he was Gay.

The VBA and its members work hard all year round to ensure that our venues, streets and the area in and surrounding Manchester’s Gay Village are all as safe as possible for patrons, public and staff.

We would like to take this opportunity to wish this gentleman all the best in his recovery from this horrendous incident and remind all of the visitors to the city centre and Manchester’s Gay Village to remember their safety when going home, use one of the reputable taxi companies, walk home with friends and keep your phones and valuables in your pockets.

The Association would encourage anyone with any information to contact Greater Manchester Police to assist them with their enquiries.

The VBA meet on a monthly basis to share information, best practise and knowledge between members and agencies to ensure that the area stays as a safe place for all. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) attend these monthly meetings, advises of crime prevention measures and local intelligence.
The Association has constant dialogue with GMP during and in-between these meetings. In addition, Manchester City Council, Cityco and LGBT community groups are well represented on the VBA so a multi-agency framework exists to prevent crime on that basis.

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.
 
St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police

Published: 19-Mar-2013: (1826)