Chapel Street rape case closed.
As agreed at the Levenshulme Community Forum Meeting Greater Manchester Police have shared this update on the reported rape of a 12 year old girl on Chapel Street. The case has been closed with no further action being taken after the girl disclosed that the report was not genuine.
The LCA continues to work with GMP to ensure improve communication with the community. We are planning a drop in session at Inspire on Stockport Road to provide information and advice on safety. The LCA is also working with Inspire who are organising a series of personal safety training sessions with the support of local councillors. Details on both these activities are currently being confirmed and will be advertised separately.
GMP Press Release
“The investigation into the rape of a 12-year-old girl has concluded.
On Friday 30 December 2016, the girl disclosed to police that she had been raped while walking on Chapel Street, close to the Horseshoe Pub on 22 November 2016.
Officers launched an investigation and a 16-year-old boy was arrested and bailed pending further enquiries.
At the end of January 2017, the girl disclosed to officers that the original report was not genuine.
The 16-year-old boy has since been released without charge and no further action will be taken.
Chief Inspector John-Paul Ruffle of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “We take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and the welfare of the victim is our priority.
“As soon as a report is made, the victim is supported by specially trained officers and we trust that each report is genuine.
“We have carried out extensive enquiries and there were increased patrols in the area to reassure members of the community and encourage people who were understandably concerned to approach us.
“As part of the investigation, we have concluded that it is not appropriate for us to pursue a prosecution in this instance due to a number of vulnerabilities that have been identified.
“The girl is now being fully supported by specially trained officers and partner agencies.
“Help and support is always there for people who report sexual offences. If you want to make a report of a sexual offence, you will be taken seriously.”
To report a sexual offence you can contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims.
– If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.
– You can call Greater Manchester Police on 101, or alternatively people can refer themselves to St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre on 0161 276 6515, whether or not you want make a police report.
– St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them via Greater Manchester Police, or as a self-referral.
– Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential support service run by women for women and girls who have been raped or sexually abused. Confidential helpline: 0161 273 4500. Black and Minority Ethnic helpline: 0161 273 4514.
– Survivors Manchester offers support and counselling for adult male survivors of sexual abuse and rape, regardless of when the event happened. Contact 07919 246 267.
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Read the GMP report HERE