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Sex attack suspects released

Two teenage boys arrested in connection with a number of sex attacks around a university campus have been released. Police previously released an evofit image of a suspect who they said could be as young as 12.

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Two teens arrested over sex attacks released

Two teenage boys arrested in connection with a string of sex attacks around a university campus have been released by police.

The 14-year-old and 18-year-old must return to a police station later today to be questioned further by officers, Greater Manchester Police said.

Three separate attacks have taken place surrounding the grounds of the University of Manchester in the past month.

The arrests were made after a senior detective made a public appeal for information about the wanted offender - who was described as being young as 12 - fearing the attacks might escalate.

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Police appeal to find boy, 12, after spate of sex attacks

While we cannot be precise about the offender's age, we believe from the descriptions given to us by the women he assaulted that he was between 12 and 15-years-old, and it is obviously very unusual and very worrying, that someone someone so young is committing such appalling attacks on women.

What we can be certain about is that the women are traumatised as a result of what happened and are being offered support by specially trained officers.

Whatever the young boy's motivation, this is not a practical joke or a prank. His actions are disturbing and he has caused the three women he assaulted a lot of upset. That is why it is so important we find whomever is responsible.

– Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin

Boy sought over university campus attacks

A boy aged just 12 may be responsible for a string of sex attacks around a university campus, police said.

Here are some of the key details in the incidents:

  • A 27-year-old was approached from behind and grabbed in Lloyd Street North at 6.15pm before she screamed and the offender ran off on Saturday September 21
  • The next incident followed in Oxford Road when a 21-year-old woman was approached by a boy who made lewd comments. She carried on walking on Moss Lane East and was sexually assaulted by her assailant who was described as a young Asian boy aged 12 who wore green jeans and glasses
  • The third attack took place at the Manchester Science Park in Lloyd Street South at about 2.15pm on Saturday October 5. A 32-year-old woman was approached by two young boys and sexually assaulted by one of them described as being Asian, 12 to 13 years old, of slim build, with a small frame

Boy, 12, sought over 'shocking' sex attacks

Police have appealed for information after releasing an evofit image of an offender allegedly linked to a string of sex attacks in Manchester.

Detective Constable Pam Collins from Longsight Police Station said:

After speaking to the women, we have managed to complete an evofit of the offender. As you can see from the image he looks fairly young which makes these assaults even more shocking.

After each woman has told the offender to go away he has followed this up with violent threats so we are keen to find this individual as soon as possible.

12-year-old boy sought over sex attacks in Manchester

A boy aged just 12 may be responsible for a string of sex attacks around a university campus, police said.

Evofit image issued by Greater Manchester Police of a boy aged just 12, who may be responsible for a string of sex attacks. Credit: Greater Manchester Police/PA

Greater Manchester Police are linking the assaults which have taken place in the last month near The University of Manchester and have released an evofit image of the young offender which they said made the incidents "even more shocking".

The first two attacks took place within 15 minutes of each other on Saturday September 21.

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 4223 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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