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29 May 2007

Police appeal for help on student attack

E-fit of Ladybarn attacker

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GREATER Manchester Police is asking for your help to locate a man in connection with the rape of a student.

The 21-year-old woman was dragged down an alleyway and assaulted in the early hours of Friday, 11 May 2007.

Police have released an artist’s impression of her attacker.

If you think you know who he is please contact GM Police immediately on 0161 856 6063 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Shaved head

The offender is described as Asian, aged 20-25, taller than 5ft 2in, with a shaved head. He had dark, prominent eyebrows and had thick sideburns which were tapered into facial stubble.

He is described as stocky and was wearing a black jumper, possibly with a zip. The victim also described seeing a white triangle, which may have been the top of a T-shirt worn underneath the jumper.

On the night of Thursday 10 May 2007, the student had been out drinking in Fallowfield with friends. This was the Thursday following the May Day bank holiday weekend.

Shortly before 2.30am the following morning she caught a taxi back to Ladybarn and got out at Sainsbury's on Wilmslow Road. She then walked down the side of the supermarket and onto Ladybarn Lane.

Alleyway

As she turned onto Whitby Road where she was approached by a man who said something to her. and dragged her into a nearby alleyway.

The woman was then assaulted and raped. During the attack, she appears to have been strangled and may have been knocked unconscious. She also suffered a number of serious injuries including an injury to her jaw.

She was taken to Manchester Royal Infirmary where she was treated for her injuries.

Detective Inspector Will Chatterton said: "We know this may seem frightening, but we want to assure you that this kind of attack is very rare."

He advises students to:

  • Keep to well lit and busy areas, avoid shortcuts
  • Stick with friends
  • Plan how you are going to get home
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Make sure someone knows where you are and what time you are due home
  • Carry a personal attack alarm

Anyone who has been the victim of a sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police's Project Nightingale. Trained officers are available to provide professional advice and guidance on how an investigation may proceed and the support services that are available.

Project Nightingale can be contacted at St Mary's Sexual Assault Centre on 0161 276 6515.