Teenage boy arrested after alleged rape of 13-year-old girl in Oldham

Police were called to an area close to the Clayton playing fields in Chadderton

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of rape following an alleged assault on a 13-year-old girl in Oldham, Greater Manchester.

Police said they were called shortly after 5.30pm on Wednesday (July 17, 2019) to an area close to the Clayton playing fields in Chadderton to reports a girl had been raped.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested and is being held in custody for questioning, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Detective inspector Andy Sandiford, of GMP's Oldham District, said: "Understandably this will cause some concern in the community, but I want to reassure local residents that we are treating this as an absolute priority.

"We also believe this to be an isolated incident at this stage."

Police are keen to speak to any potential witnesses in the area at the time of the alleged assault, particularly those who may have dashcam or other recorded footage.

"Although we are making good progress with our inquiries, I must stress that we are in the early stages of the investigation and need the public's assistance as we continue to piece together the full circumstances of the incident," Mr Sandiford said.

The alleged victim is being provided with support from specialist officers.

Anybody with information should phone police on 0161 856 2247, quoting incident number 2362 of 17/07/19, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.