Police have arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape after two women were attacked in separate parks in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, on Saturday morning.
At 6:15am, officers received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted by a man in Broadfield Park. Then at 8:38am, a second report was made by a different woman who said she had been sexually assaulted by a man in Milnrow Memorial Park, just over three miles away.
Arrest and investigation
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the arrested man remains in custody for questioning as enquiries continue. Before the arrest, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Willis said: "You will see an increased police presence in Broadfield Park, Milnrow Memorial Park and Rochdale town centre over the coming days."
Both women, who are being supported by specialist officers, said they did not know the man and provided a similar description of the suspect. Police identified CCTV footage of a man matching the description in the Ko-Ko Lounge in Rochdale, which he was seen leaving at around 5am.
Police statement
GMP said: "Officers have arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of two counts attempted rape. This relates two incidents that took place earlier today in Rochdale." The force added: "The victims are being supported by specialist officers in this difficult and traumatic time. The man remains in custody for questioning as enquiries continue."
