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.
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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.
#APPEAL We're appealing for information following an attempt sexual assault at Platt Fields Park in #Manchester last night. A woman was reportedly approached by a male pretending to be a taxi driver before she was pulled into some bushes and almost sexually assaulted. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/5LVp8YjhYO
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 22, 2022
“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.
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“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.”
The attempted sexual assault on the woman occurred at Platt Fields Park last night / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“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.
Stockport man jailed for life after kidnapping and sexually assaulting teenage girl
Emily Sergeant
A Stockport man has been sentenced to life in prison after kidnapping and sexually assaulting a teenage girl on her way home from the library.
Paul Sharpe has been sentenced to life imprisonment with an eight-year minimum term in prison after being convicted of a number of offences when subjected a teenage girl to what police called a ‘terrifying ordeal’ that lasted several hours back in May 2026.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that the victim had been studying at Sale Library before beginning her journey home with friends at around 5:50pm and contacting her parents at 6:10pm to let them know she was on her way.
Twenty minutes later, she spoke to her boyfriend on the phone and said she was approximately five minutes away from home, but that her phone battery was about to die.
This was the last contact received from the victim that evening.
While walking along Bradgate Road in Altrincham, the victim noticed a grey Ford parked nearby and a man wearing a high-visibility jacket pressing doorbells in the area.
As she walked past, Sharpe approached her from behind, placed her in a headlock and threatened to stab her if she did not get into his vehicle.
Concerned that their daughter had not returned home, the victim’s family contacted police at 9:22pm to report her missing, and officers immediately launched an investigation to locate her.
Over the next several hours, the victim was subjected to and placed in a number of terrifying situations.
Sharpe drove the victim to several locations across Greater Manchester and Cheshire, before police located and arrested him at around 3:40am on 19 May 2026.
Following his arrested, 56-year-old Sharpe was convicted of kidnap, committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence, sexual assault, engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, threats with a bladed article, and administering a noxious substance with intent to injure, annoy or aggrieve.
“This was a terrifying ordeal for a young girl who was simply making her way home,” explained Detective Inspector Karl Perry, from GMP’s Criminal Investigation Department.
“Sharpe targeted a vulnerable victim, subjected her to hours of fear and intimidation, and went on to sexually assault her.
“The victim has shown immense courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings. Through her bravery and actions, she no doubt made it harder for Sharpe to carry out whatever acts he had planned.”
Featured Image – GMP
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Major pop star crowns humble rice and three cafe as ‘Jewel of Manchester’ ahead of sold-out gig
Thomas Melia
A beloved city centre takeaway has been given the title of ‘Jewel of Manchester’ by chart-topping UK singer Sam Smith.
Known for hits like ‘Stay With Me’, ‘I’m Not The Only One’ and more recently ‘Unholy’, UK pop-ballad act Sam Smith also likes to drop a food review every once in a while.
Currently on the road with a run of shows in Manchester and London for their ‘To Be Free’ live shows, Sam Smith is stopping off at some of our city’s much-loved spots.
On their food-reviewing account titled ‘Sam Served’, where they adopt the aptly-fitting nickname ‘Ham Smith’, Sam has visited restaurants across the globe – and most recently turned their attention to Manchester’s own This & That.
Smith decided to pop in and grab a cheeky rice and three from long-standing backstreet food business This & That, and it certainly went down a treat.
After sampling their amazing selection of meat, vegetable and vegan curries, the musician crowned this family-run Indian takeaway a ‘Jewel of Manchester’.
The hitmaker described this Northern Quarter Indian eatery as ‘Everything food should be’ and definitely enjoyed all the curries on offer ‘leaving belly and heart full’.
This & That prides itself on affordable and comforting food with its ‘Rice and Three Curries’ starting from just £6 – not bad for a city centre foodie spot.
Sam has racked up an impressive 490k followers via their ‘Sam Served’ profile, with famous faces like Lily Allen, Denise Welch and CMAT all wanting to know the superstar’s foodie thoughts.
After enjoying a curry or three, Sam Smith also made sure to feed their soul to by venturing down to Afflecks and getting lost in the music at Mars Tapes.
Recognised as one of the UK’s only cassette and tape shops, Mars Tapes lets you flick through their crates of physical media and even preview tracks before you buy with its dedicated listening areas.
It’s safe to say that Smith has ‘Latched’ onto Manchester’s independent business scene and we’re here for it.
The London-born artist has just released their latest album Hazel Eyes and is currently amid a UK residency tour with two dates in Manchester’s Albert Hall and eight shows set for London Coliseum.
Emily Sergeant -
23rd May 2022 
