Appeal to trace a man who made suggestive sexual comments to boy

Date published: 03/11/2005

Police in Rochdale have issued a CCTV image of a man they hope members of the public may be able to identify in connection with suggestive sexual remarks made to a 12-year-old boy in Rochdale bus station.

The boy was waiting for a bus at the station on Smith Street at around 6.10pm on Friday 23 September 2005 when a man in his forties approached him. The man intimidated the boy by asking him a number of suggestive questions. The boy ignored the comments and the man eventually got on a bus and left the station.

The boy was left very upset by the incident and reported the matter to the police when he got home.

Inspector Meriel Buglass from Rochdale North said: "Although the man didn't physically harm the boy his actions and speech were frightening. Whilst I don't want to alarm the community I do want to alert them to the actions of this man and warn young people to be vigilant.

"If anyone else suffers similar sort of intimidation or is approached by a man matching this description they should report it to police immediately.

"The man is described as being white, approximately 6ft tall and in his mid-40s. He has black hair, which is receding at the sides and bald on top. He is described as having a long nose with large nostrils. He was wearing a black, leather jacket and light blue jeans.

"Anyone who recognises the man is asked to contact officers at Rochdale on 0161 856 8523 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."