News
Police appeal for information after sexual assault attempt by ‘fake taxi driver’ in Manchester
"No woman should have such an incident happen to them."
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2022 
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has issued a public appeal for information after a woman was left “extremely shook up” following an attempted sexual assault in Manchester yesterday evening.
Officers were called just before 11:15pm to a report of an attempted sexual assault on a woman at the popular Manchester greenspace, Platt Fields Park, on Wilmslow Road.
According to a statement on the incident issued by GMP, a woman was reportedly approached by a male pretending to be a taxi driver and followed him before she was pulled into some bushes – which subsequently raised the alarm with passers-by that he was not who he claimed to be, and that he had instead attempted to assault her.
The man then away from the scene towards Yew Tree Road, and police said enquiries are on-going to trace him.
A public appeal for information and witnesses has now been issued.
A man that officers are keen to speak to is described as an Asian male, in his 30s, with short, dark cropped hair and short, dark full beard, and wearing a black coat.
“We’re aware this will no doubt raise concerns in the community and those who attended the music event nearby,” said Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Norman – from GMP’s City of Manchester division.
“But I would like to reassure them that we have a number officers carrying out an investigation and there are increased patrols in the area.
“This was a horrific attack on a woman who thankfully managed to raise the alarm but has been left extremely shook up and is receiving the support she needs.
“No woman should have such an incident happen to them and all women should feel safe, which is why violence against women and girls is one of GMP’s top priorities [and] a team of detectives are currently pursuing all immediate lines of enquiry.”
Read more: Greater Manchester publishes 10-year plan to protect women
“We’re now appealing to the public to come forward with any information,” he added.
“We want to bring the man responsible to justice and we can do this by hearing from anyone who may have information.”
Anyone with any information or anyone who may have seen the male described is asked to report it to Greater Manchester Police by calling 0161 856 6051 or reporting it online or via the LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk.
Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Flickr
