Teenager arrested on suspicion of raping 'middle-aged man' in shopping centre toilets

Security staff detained a 19-year-old over the alleged attack in the Arndale centre’s branch of Next

The Next storefront at Manchester's Arndale Centre (Google)

A teenager has been arrested following reports a man was allegedly raped in a Manchester shopping centre.

Security staff detained a 19-year-old on Friday over the apparent attack in the Arndale centre’s branch of Next.

Police were called to the scene shortly after 11:30am over claims that a man in his fifties had been raped in the toilets of the busy department store.

The teenager was arrested on suspicion of rape and was taken into custody where he is currently being questioning by detectives.

The alleged victim is currently receiving support from specialist officers.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) chiefs have described the alleged rape as “shocking” but thanked staff for their swift response.

Chris Maddocks, the Detective Sergeant for GMP’s Serious Sexual Crimes Unit, said: “This was an incredibly shocking incident which happened in a busy store today.

“Our specialist officers are with the victim and will ensure he has all the support he needs.

“We would like thank the staff at Next and the Arndale Centre.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.