Schoolboys aged 12 to 14 accused of sexual assaulting second girl after ‘rape’ near Morrisons

Four schoolboys who were held on suspicion of rape are also accused of sexually assaulting a second girl, police confirmed. The young boys were previously arrested over the weekend after officers were alerted to reports of a rape in Rochdale, Greater Manchester.

Initially, police were investigating the alleged incident involving one girl. It was said to have taken place near a Morrison’s supermarket and Newbold’s Metrolink tram station at around 6pm. Now investigators say inquiries relate to allegations of rape and sexual assault of two girls.

A 12-year-old boy, a 13-year-old boy and two boys aged 14, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, were all since bailed under investigation. Superintendent Phil Key, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “As with all investigations into sexual offences, the victims remain our priority, and we have dedicated specialist resources in place to support them and their families as the investigation continues to progress.

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“We understand that an incident of such nature is no doubt going to cause the community concern. This is why we continue to have an increased visible presence in the area for reassurance, working alongside key partner agencies, as well as additional resources from our specialist operations branch, patrolling the local transport hubs and networks. The four suspects arrested at the weekend have been bailed with strict conditions.

“We are continuing to liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure the investigation progresses towards a prosecution. I can assure the victims and our communities that securing justice is our priority.

“As to not impact the possibility of justice in this case, I would continue to ask the public to refrain from speculating on social media about the names of the victims and suspects involved. By law, they are all entitled to anonymity.”