A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the alleged rape and kidnap of a woman in Oldham.
The teenager was charged on Thursday, November 9, police said. The victim in the alleged incident is a woman aged in her 20s, who is now being supported by specialist officers.
The boy - who cannot be named for legal reasons - has been charged with rape, kidnap, threatening a person with a bladed article in a public place and robbery. He appeared at Manchester Youth Court on Friday (November 10).
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He was remanded into custody ahead of his next court appearance. Detective Inspector Andrew Day of GMP’s Oldham District said: "This incident will no doubt come as a huge shock to the entire Oldham community, rest assured we are supporting the victim and her loved ones with specialist officers.
"We will do everything we can to ensure she has the support she needs at this extremely difficult and distressing time. We commend her bravery for coming forward and reporting this to police enabling officers to investigate.
"We commend her bravery for coming forward and reporting this to us, with her support and information we have been able to successfully secure the charges against this individual. I also want to give my thanks to the swift and diligent efforts of the Oldham CID team and GMP’s specialist officers across the force of which we have successfully apprehended this suspect within hours of the incident.
"Of course, incidents of this nature are extremely rare and GMP are determined to bring offenders to justice. Our message is clear: sexual violence or any forms of criminality will not be tolerated in our community, and we will do everything we can to support victims of any crime.
"I would like to encourage anyone who has been the victim of sexual violence or abuse to come forward and report it to us. We will investigate every report we receive and support you every step of the way."
Where to go if you've been affected by rape or sexual assault
- Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live, or have been sexually assaulted, within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.
- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
- We Are Survivors provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182 for help.
- Always call 999 in an emergency
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