23-year-old man arrested after woman was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted in ‘cruel act’

A man has been arrested after a woman was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted in Tameside. Detectives launched a full investigation following the attack, which took place at around 6.40am on Friday (July 5).

Greater Manchester Police say the woman was walking past Grafton Street in Hyde, which adjoins Clark Way, when she was attacked. Police have previously described how she was approached from behind and pushed onto a patch of grass before being sexually assaulted.

A 23-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening (Sunday) on suspicion of serious sexual offences. He remains in custody and will be questioned this afternoon (Monday).

READ MORE: Large police presence when the caravan park closes and families are asked to leave the campsite

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to come forward. Detective Chief Inspector Anna Barker, of GMP’s Tameside district, said: “While we are making progress with this investigation, we would like to thank the local community for sharing our appeals and assisting us with our enquiries.”

“Our investigations are ongoing, patrol plans are in place and additional officers are working around the clock to bring whoever is responsible for this horrific act to justice. If anyone has any further details they would like to share that could help us, please get in touch.”

Officers were at the scene on Friday. A footpath near the footbridge from Hyde bus station to Grafton Street was cordoned off and a blue forensic tent was set up. Appeals issued over the weekend asked people in the areas around Clark Way, Grafton Street, King Street and the nearby footbridge and bus stop to contact GMP – including those with relevant video footage.

Detective Chief Inspector Abdul Kahar, of GMP’s Tameside district, said police patrols had been increased. On Saturday he added: “Our specialist officers are supporting the woman involved in this serious incident and we are doing everything we can to provide her with the appropriate care she now needs.”

“This is a truly horrific crime and we are determined to bring the person responsible to justice. No woman should feel unsafe on the streets of Greater Manchester. We are determined to do everything we can to progress this investigation expeditiously. Local people will see an increased police presence in and around the area and I would encourage members of the public to contact our officers if they have any further concerns.”

Information about the incident can be reported to GMP on 0161 856 9262 or 101 quoting incident 479 of 5 July 2024. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.