Detectives renew appeal for witnesses following the sexual assault of a young girl

Officers have released CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to following the sexual assault of a young girl on Saturday 29 April 2023 near Lees Valley in Oldham.

She describes walking along the public footpath (pictured), near Turner Street, Lees, when she smelt an unusual smell. A man, described as white, with a slim build, around 19/20-years-old, seemingly came out of nowhere, pushed past her and then grabbed her, sexually assaulting her.

It is reported that he wore black joggers, black raincoat and black trainers. He had a hood that was covering his face, but the victim describes him as having hairy hands.

After the attack, the youngsters ran to nearby Turner Street and raised the alarm.

DI Victoria Wade of Oldham CID said: “We are hoping that by releasing images of the man we would like to speak to in relation to this offence, as we believe he could hold some key information, and the map of where the girl walked, it may jog the memories of people living in the area, or indeed those who were visiting the area at the time, as to where they were on Saturday at around 4.30pm.

“We are asking for anyone to come forwards who may be able to provide us with doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage of the man in question, they may be able to help us locate him.

“This is a heinous crime and traumatised a young girl, who was only there to make Tik Toks with her friends. This should not be something that she now has to live with.

“We are asking if anyone can help us, to email [email protected] with any footage they may have or contact us on 0161 856 8967 / 8999, quoting log number 2413 of the 29/04/2023.”