Man arrested after rape in South Manchester

Police investigating the rape of a woman in her 20s in the Withington area of Manchester last month have arrested a man in connection with the incident.

A 46-year-old man from the Wythenshawe area was arrested on suspicion of rape by officers at junction 28 of the westbound side of the M62 overnight.

The man remains in custody for questioning.

Detectives from GMP’s City of Manchester South Division launched an investigation on Friday 26 March 2021 after a report of a rape in a car on Marriott Street in the early hours of that morning.

Following extensive enquiries, investigators released CCTV on Tuesday 30 March of a car believed to be involved in the incident.

A black Seat Ibiza car, believed to be seen on the footage at around 3.45am, was also recovered on the M62 and has been taken away in evidence.

The victim – a woman in her 20s – has been kept informed with developments and continues to be supported by police and specialist partner agencies.

Enquiries remain ongoing and police believe, at this stage, that this is an isolated incident.

Anyone with information or concerns is urged to contact police.

Superintendent Richard Timson, of GMP’s City of Manchester South Division, said: “The arrest of a man overnight, with support from our policing partners in Humberside and West Yorkshire, is an important step forward in this investigation and our officers continue to work at pace to ensure the person responsible is brought to justice.

“A car believed to be seen on CCTV footage we released last week was also recovered overnight, and we encourage anyone with any potential information or suspicions about a vehicle matching that description to contact police.

“I’d like to thank the public for their support so far and remind them that any piece of information they could give us to aid our investigation could be significant.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 6063 quoting incident 1019 of 26/03/2021. Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester Victims' Services provide emotional and practical support to anyone affected by crime and are a confidential service. The service can be contacted by visiting the website on www.gmvictims.org.uk or calling 0161 200 1950.