Detectives continue to quiz four boys, aged 12 to 14, on suspicion of rape after alleged attack in supermarket car park
The victim - a girl - is being supported by specialist officers
Detectives are continuing to quiz four boys on suspicion of rape after an alleged attack in a supermarket car park in Rochdale.
Police were called to the scene of the alleged incident in Newbold at around 6pm on Saturday night (February 10). An area of the Morrisons car park was taped off by officers, as well as an entry to the Newbold tram stop.
A forensic tent was also erected in the car park within the police cordon. Greater Manchester Police confirmed four boys - aged 12, 13, 14 and 14 - were arrested on suspicion of rape.
Join our WhatsApp Top Stories and Breaking News group by clicking this link.
They were taken into custody. A force spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News the four boys remain there this morning (Monday) for further questioning.
The alleged victim was a female child - though police did not provide her age. She is being supported by specialist officers.
After the alleged incident, local residents expressed their shock at the 'awful' news. Lynn Davies, who lives by the cordon, said: "I knew something had happened.
"The police came last night knocking on to ask if we had seen anything. It makes my skin crawl. It’s bad enough when it’s an adult, but children?"
John Hogkinson, 80, who also lives directly next to the crime scene, said: "The police came but we didn’t hear anything. We were shocked because it’s so quiet around here.
"I’ve lived here for 17 years and I’ve never heard of anything like this. It’s awful."
In a statement issued yesterday, GMP said: "At around 6pm on Saturday 10 February 2024, officers were called to reports of a rape in Newbold, Rochdale. Four boys aged 12, 13, 14, 14 have been arrested on suspicion of rape and remain in police custody.
"The victim is currently being supported by specialist officers. A scene remains in place as officers continue their investigation.
"If you, or anyone you know, has any information that may assist us with our enquiries, we would like to hear from you. Information can be shared by calling 0161 856 8512, quoting log number 2601 of 10/02/2024.
"You can also report information to GMP's website using the ‘tell us about’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers - anonymously – on 0800 555 111."
Try MEN Premium for FREE by clicking here for no ads, fun puzzles and brilliant new features.