Police appeal after girl, 13, assaulted

A 13-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted by a street attacker was so traumatised it took her five months to report it, police said.

Detectives want help tracing the offender who attacked the girl in an alleyway in Northenden, Manchester, on 1 May.

The teenager took a shortcut down a passageway next to St Wilfred's Church at 4pm when she was grabbed from behind.

The attacker was scared off by footsteps.

Today Pc Summer Roberts, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This young girl was so terrified after her ordeal that she did not tell anyone, not even her family, for five months.

"Her mum noticed a change in her behaviour and eventually the victim told her what happened. She should be applauded for her bravery and for finding the courage to speak up and not bury this for years and years as unfortunately some victims do.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.

"Perhaps you have seen this man in the area or someone acting suspiciously or someone who looks out of place. If you have, please tell us and with your information we can try to find this man and put him behind bars."

The man was white, about 5ft 10in tall, in his late 30s, thin, and smelt of smoke.