A community walk in Cringle Park will happen at 11.00 on 20th November 2016 to show solidarity and sympathy with the victim.

This is the report from Greater Manchester Police:

“Officers investigating the rape of a woman in Levenshulme are appealing to three possible witnesses.

Shortly before 12pm on Monday, 14 November 2016, a 31-year-old woman was raped in Cringle Park, on Clare Road, whilst out walking.

An investigation was launched and a dedicated team of detectives have been carrying out further enquiries.

It is now believed there were three people in the park who may have witnessed something prior to the incident and officers are keen to speak to them.

These include a white man, in his 30s, who was wearing jeans and a khaki coat and was throwing a football for his dog.

A white woman, who is believed to be in her early 40s, with brown hair was also walking a dog which was white.

The third person is an older, white woman, who was pushing a black pram with a dog on a lead. She was wearing a black coat with the hood up and had brown hair. This woman briefly spoke to the victim before the attack.

The offender is described as wearing dark clothes with his hood up.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Mossop, from GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries and want to speak to these people who were in the park around the time of the offence.

“I would like to stress you are not in any trouble but you could have key information which could help us with this case. Even if you think you didn’t see anything, please still get in touch with us as any information could be vital.

“We aware this incident has caused concerns in the community and I want to make it clear we are doing everything in our power to find the person responsible.

“No one should be scared to go about their daily business and we want to reassure local residents that we have increased patrols in the area. A police van is also currently parked near to the incident and we are also speaking with the local council.

“We are also aware of a community walk taking place in the park this Sunday (20 November 2016) and are currently liaising with the organisers to our offer our support.

“If you have any concerns please approach one of our officers and although we cannot go into the details of an on-going investigation we will try and help in any way we can.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident number 824 of or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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 246267.”