Men stop attempted rape of teenager and hold suspect until police arrive

Man aged 23 is in custody and will be questioned over incident

A group of men stopped the attempted rape of a teenager and held the suspect until the police arrived at the scene, officers said.

A man allegedly tried to rape a 17-year-old girl in a car park in Ashton-under-Lyne, Greater Manchester.

He was disturbed by the group of men, who stopped the attack and chased the suspect.

They then held him down until he was arrested by the police.

A 23-year-old man is now in custody and will be questioned by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

Detective Inspector Karl Ward, from GMP, paid tribute to the men who stopped the attack.

“First of all, my thoughts are with the girl who was victim to this terrifying attack, she is getting specialist support and we will continue to help her get through this horrible ordeal,” Mr Ward said.

"Secondly, I would like to take my hat off to the group of men who intervened, stopped the attack, then gave chase so police were able to make an arrest.

"This is a great example of the police and public working together to stop crime, and I am extremely thankful to them for their assistance.

"We are still appealing for further witnesses however, so if anyone saw anything that might help the police investigation we would really like to hear from you."

Anyone else who witnessed the attack should get in touch on 0161 856 8915 or call 101, quoting the reference number 2314 of 01/02/19, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.