Police Patrols Stepped Up In Stockport

Patrols have been stepped up in a part of Stockport after a girl was sexually assaulted and a man exposed himself.

Sometime between 5.30pm and 6pm on Friday 24 June 2011, the victim, a 10-year-old girl, was approached by the offender.

He grabbed the girl and sexually assaulted her.

He tried to prolong his attack but the victim managed to kick herself free and run away towards the nearby visitors' centre.

The offender is described as being as a white man, 5ft 8in to 5ft 9in tall, in his late teens to early twenties.

He was wearing a black baseball cap, a black jacket and black tracksuit bottoms. He was also riding a mountain bike.

The second incident took place at about 6.30pm on the same day.

The offender approached a 12-year-old girl on Brinnington Road. He indecently exposed himself and the victim ran away.

The offender is described as being a white man, about 19-years-old, with mousey hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing only a pair of underpants.

Chief Inspector Gary Simpson said: "We are thoroughly investigating both incidents, but while these inquiries continue we would urge members of the public to be vigilant.

"We do not want to alarm residents and users of the park, all we ask is they take extra care in the area.

"To help, police patrols in the area have been stepped up.

"Police community support officers and neighbourhood officers are on hand to offer reassurance and address any concerns people may have.

"I would also urge any witnesses, or anyone with information, to call us as soon as possible.

"The two incidents happened within a mile of each other but at this time they have not been linked, although we are keeping an open mind as to whether or not they may be."