Teenage boy arrested after 14-year-old raped near park

Police not seeking anyone else in connection with attack

Police have said there will be an increased presence of officers near the park in Leigh (Google Maps)

A teenage boy has been arrested after a 14-year-old girl was raped in broad daylight as she walked close to a park in Leigh, near Wigan, on Thursday.

The incident took place on open land to the south of Westleigh Park between 4pm and 5.30pm and the girl is now receiving specialist care from officers.

Following an appeal for information, a 14-year-old boy was arrested on Saturday and is in custody being questioned.

“This has been a fast-paced investigation and as a result of our enquiries we have now made an arrest,” Superintendent Mark Kenny from Greater Manchester Police, said.

“While people in the area will continue to see an increased police presence this evening and over the coming days, I would like to stress that we don’t consider there to be any wider threat to the public following this attack.”

He previously said the girl had faced a “terrifying attack” and had shown “immense bravery” in recounting a “very detailed description of the offender”.

The attack took place on Thursday afternoon when the girl was approached by a male and pulled into bushes, according to police.

Supt Kenny said it happened “in daylight hours” in an area where there are “many homes and businesses along roads” accessing the park and fields.

After the arrrest was made, he said: “At this stage of our investigations we are not seeking anyone further in connection with this incident.”

“However I’d like to encourage anyone with information to still get in touch if you have not done so already.

He thanked members of the public who had come forward to police with information.

“Our thoughts remain with the girl and her family as she continues to receive specialist care,” he added.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7251 quoting incident 1033 of 23/04/21. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.