BREAKING: Young girl sexually assaulted by stranger on public footpath

Police have launched an investigation after reports a young girl was sexually assaulted by a stranger on a public footpath.

The incident happened at around 4.30pm on the footpath near Turner Street in Lees, Oldham. Officers said the girl was walking along the path when an unknown man approached her.

He went onto sexually assault her. No arrests have been made at this stage.

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A probe has been launched with patrols stepped up in the area. Local residents have been warned to 'remain vigilant' and report anything suspicious.

Oldham's neighbourhood Sergeant Graham Craven said: "This is a very concerning attack on a young girl and I would like to assure the local community that a team of detectives are working at pace to locate the offender. Whilst specialist officers are supporting the victim, we are continuing to follow up a number of lines of enquiry.

"You will see our officers out and about on foot conducting highly visible patrols over the next couple of days, making enquires and offering reassurance to the community as we move forward with this investigation. We also want people in the local area to remain vigilant and to report anything they feel is suspicious to us immediately as we will act on any further information we get.

"If anyone has any information that may help with the investigation, they are asked to call 101 quoting log 2413 of the 29/4/2023. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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