Police are investigating after a report of rape in the city centre.
Shortly after 4pm on Saturday 19 September 2015, police received reports that a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old girl had been raped on a car park on Brazil Street in Manchester City Centre.
An investigation has been launched and the victims are being provided with support from specially trained officers.
A scene remains in place on Brazil Street.
The incident is believed to have happened sometime shortly before the report came in and police are now appealing for anybody who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area between 3pm and 4pm to come forward.
Detective Inspector Debbie Oakes of the GMP Protect Team said: “We are still in the initial stages of our enquiries but we believe that the attack on these two girls has happened at around 4pm.
“The city centre is a very busy place around this time on a Saturday and I would like to appeal directly to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in the area between 3pm and 4pm to please contact police.
“I know incidents like this can cause a lot of distress but I would like to assure the public that we will always take reports of this nature extremely seriously and we have launched a full investigation.”
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 1911 or the independent charity 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.
– 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 either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.
– 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.
