Man arrested in connection with two attempted rapes in Rochdale

Police have arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape in Rochdale.

Greater Manchester Police said it had received reports of sexual assault from two women in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The attacks took place in two different parks, which are located just over three miles (5km) away from each other.

The arrested man remains in custody for questioning as enquiries continue, police said.

At 06:15 BST on Saturday, officers received a report that a woman had been sexually assaulted in Broadfield Park.

A second report was made at 08:38, concerning the sexual assault of a women in Milnrow Memorial Park.

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 said.

Police identified CCTV footage of a man matching the description in the Ko-Ko Lounge in Rochdale, which he was seen leaving at around 05:00 BST.

Before the man’s arrest, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Willis said in a statement: “You will see an increased police presence in Broadfield Park, Milnrow Memorial Park and Rochdale town centre over the coming days and throughout this evening.”