Detectives have described it as a ‘horrific and deeply distressing incident’
According to police, the incident occurred at a venue in the Printworks(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A man has been arrested after a teenager was allegedly seriously assaulted and raped in the toilets of a venue in Manchester city centre.
The boy, who is under 18, ‘arranged to meet a man via social media’, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. He was then, according to the force, ‘attacked in the toilets of a venue on Dantzic Street in the Printworks’ at around 5pm on Friday, April 24.
The suspect has been described as an Asian man aged between 18 and 20, of slim build, with a goatee beard and black hair parted in the centre and covering his forehead, GMP said. He was wearing a black, puffy coat, dark jeans, white-and-black trainers and glasses, they added.
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A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of rape over the weekend. He has since been bailed pending further enquiries. He is subject to strict bail conditions, including not being allowed to enter Manchester city centre, GMP said.
Detectives have now launched an appeal for information. In particular they are keen to hear from a potential witness, a second man who it is believed was also ‘in or around the toilets’ of the unnamed licensed premises.
Detective Chief Inspector Chris Woodburn, from GMP’s City of Manchester CID, said: “This was an horrific and deeply distressing incident that has had a significant impact on the victim.
“The victim is being supported by specialist officers and will continue to be throughout the investigation. This incident will cause concern to anyone who frequents the area and we have had extra patrols in the evenings since the incident.
“We have committed a large number of officers from across the force – including from our Major Incident Team – to the investigation and are carrying out extensive forensic and CCTV enquiries.
“We are appealing for anyone who was in the Printworks area at the time of the incident to come forward – this would have been a busy time of day when there would have been a lot of people around.
“We also believe there may have been a second man in or around the toilets in a licensed premises off Dantzic Street at the time of the incident – we want to speak to him as a witness as we believe he may have vital information that could assist with our investigation.
“We are appealing for anyone with information or who was in the area at the time to call our dedicated team on 0161 856 4259, on 101 or via LiveChat on our website quoting log 2647 of 24/4/26. You can also call Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”
Where to go if you’ve been affected by rape or sexual assault
– Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live, or have been sexually assaulted, within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
– Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
– We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.
– Always call 999 in an emergency