Police have arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of carrying out two attempted rapes in Rochdale.
The arrest follows two reports of sexual assault received by police from victims approximately one hour and 24 minutes apart. Officers believe the incidents may be connected.
The first report came at 6:15 a.m. on July 25, 2026, concerning an assault in Broadfield Park. The second report was received at 8:38 a.m. from a different woman who stated she was assaulted in Milnrow Memorial Park.
Both victims reported that they did not know their assailant and provided similar descriptions of the suspect. Investigators are appealing for information from the public.
Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Willis stated that a robust investigation was underway, with detectives pursuing multiple lines of inquiry to identify and apprehend the individual responsible. "We are committed to identifying whoever is responsible and bringing them to justice," Willis said.
An increased police presence has been deployed in Broadfield Park, Milnrow Memorial Park, and Rochdale town center to provide community reassurance and aid the investigation. Authorities are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen a man matching the provided descriptions. Police are also requesting that individuals with mobile phone footage, dashcam recordings, CCTV, or doorbell camera footage that could assist the inquiry to come forward, regardless of how insignificant it may seem.