Four boys aged between 12 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of rape in Rochdale, it has been confirmed.
It comes after Greater Manchester Police (GMP) received reports of a rape in the Newbold area of the Greater Manchester town of Rochdale at around 6pm this past (10 February 2024), and local officers attended the scene shortly after.
Not a great deal of information regarding the incident has been shared by police at this time, but what we do know is that four boys have been arrested on suspicion of rape, and they currently remain in police custody.
The four boys are aged 12, 13, 14, and 14 – with no further details disclosed by GMP.
We also know that a police investigation into the incident has now been launched, and that a scene remains in place while officers carry out proceedings.
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The victim is also currently being supported by specialist officers too.
With the investigation now underway and ongoing, GMP has issued issued a public appeal, and is urging anyone with any information that may assist with enquiries to get in touch, as investigation officers are particularly keen to hear from them.
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Any information can be shared by calling 0161 856 8512, quoting log number 2601 of 10/02/2024, or by reporting it on GMP’s website using the ‘tell us about’ tool here – www.gmp.police.uk
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Four boys aged between 12 and 14 arrested on suspicion of rape in Rochdale / Credit: GMP
GMP has also offered support services for if you, or someone you know, has been raped or sexually assaulted, and is encouraging victims not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency, so you can get the help and support available.
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Support is available at the following contact points:
Saint Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre – a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women, and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis – a confidential information, support, and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]
Survivors Manchester – specialist trauma informed support to boys and men in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Beloved Manchester artist Stanley Chow slams Conservative Party for using his artwork
Daisy Jackson
Celebrated local artist Stanley Chow has lashed out at the Conservative Party.
The illustrator, who is famed for his cartoon portraits of famous faces, has discovered that the political party have been using his Andy Burnham illustration at their party conference.
Publicly addressing the usage, Stanley said he would be ‘seeking legal advice’.
He shared a photo of his Andy Burnham portrait that has been placed onto a water bottle with the slogan ‘Bottler Burnham’.
The label also says: “0% strength. Bottled under pressure from Badenoch.”
In another photo, Stanley Chow revealed that the Tory party conference has used his Andy Burnham portrait on pots of sweets, too.
This time, they say: “Andy Panders’ people pleaser pick n mix. Free sweets for everyone, it will only cost you higher taxes.”
Stanley wrote: “It seems like @conservatives have been using my artwork without my permission at their conference party…
“Regardless of whatever your political allegiances are, it’s still copyright infringement… I’ll be seeking legal advice.”
Backing him up in the comments are a number of other local artists, including Mancsy, who said: “As well as the copyright infringement, I expect more of political parties than making gags at the expense of the opposition. It’s alarming on multiple levels.”
Someone else wrote: “Imagine calling a prime minister a people pleaser like it’s an insult… when it’s their job.”
Another person said: “How does that even happen?! Layers of people signing off who go, ‘Sure, let’s not worry about copyright’ (people who’ve presumably never step foot in MCR and seen your artwork, like EVERYWHERE). Drag em, babe. Copyright and reputation, surely.”
Manchester man jailed after sexually assaulting and masturbating in front of woman on train
Emily Sergeant
A man has been jailed after sexually assaulting and masturbating in front of a woman on board a train to Manchester.
Following an extensive British Transport Police (BTP) investigation, Nisan Fernando Kurukulasuriya, of Troutbeck Road in Altrincham, was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court last month.
At the trail last month, the court heard how, on Monday 20 April 2026, 39-year-old Kurukulasuriya was on a train from Stoke to Manchester and sat next to a woman he didn’t know, who was on the phone.
He then sexually assaulted her repeatedly, doing so again even after being pushed away by the woman.
The woman then noticed that Kurukulasuriya had exposed himself and was masturbating in front of her. She shouted at him, and in response, he stood up and ran away to leave the train – but the woman immediately got up to report the incident to staff.
When the train arrived at Manchester Piccadilly, the woman alerted a member of staff while Kurukulasuriya was stood only a few meters away, and BTP were subsequently called straight away.
Police quickly attended and arrested Kurukulasuriya.
When police interviewed him, Kurukulasuriya showed no remorse for his actions and refused to answer any questions put to him.
After pleading guilty to Sexual Assault and Outraging Public Decency at a previous court hearing, Kurukulasuriya was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, and was also handed a 10-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) which will bar him from sitting next to any woman he doesn’t know on public transport, as well as being put on thensex offenders register for 10 years.
BTP Detective Sergeant, Mark Haviland, called Kurukulasuriya a ‘despicable man’ who targeted a woman travelling alone ‘for his own sick sexual gratification’.
Emily Sergeant -
12th February 2024 
