Man, 24, bailed after rape of child near primary school in Manchester

Police have released a 24-year-old man on bail following reports that a child was raped near a Manchester primary school.

Specialist officers are supporting the girl, whose age has not been disclosed, and her family, following the incident in Heywood, Greater Manchester.

Police were called to the scene near to Balmoral Drive at about 7.45pm on Monday, before a forensics tent was set up.

The suspect was arrested on suspicion of rape and later bailed pending further inquiries, Greater Manchester Police said.

Detective Inspector David Crewe said: “This is a horrendous incident and we have specialist officers who are supporting the girl and her family throughout this difficult ordeal.

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“Although a man has been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries, police are still actively investigating to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this crime and inquiries remain ongoing.

“If anyone has any information at all that could help police with their investigation, please do not hesitate to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4668 or 101 quoting incident number 2536 of 09/06/2020, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.