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Second attack at family park
by Alex Scapens18/ 6/2008
PARK users have been left shocked by a second terrifying attack at a quiet family spot in Cheadle.
In the latest frightening incident, a 13-year-old schoolgirl was left traumatised after she was stalked by a predator who pinned her against a wall - less than a month after a pensioner was sexually assaulted in the same Stockport park.
The 13-year-old was walking along a path from Bruntwood Lane towards Bruntwood Park, Cheadle, on Friday at 8.10pm when a man followed her then forced her against a gate in the wall. It is believed he asked her to go into the bushes. After he blocked her escape with his hands and leg, she desperately screamed to be left alone and he moved, allowing the teenager to run away.
The incident comes just weeks after a 71-year-old was thrown to the ground and assaulted while walking her dog in the same quiet park.
The two incidents are not being linked but police have stepped up patrols to reassure visitors and safety advice has been offered to youngsters. The question of safety in the park will be raised with officers at the next Cheadle Area Committee meeting.
Courageously, the young victim was able to relive the ordeal and give police a vivid account of her attacker, which police now hope will prove vital in finding him.
Det Insp Kevin Dolan, of Stockport CID, said: "This was very frightening for the young girl and she was left extremely shaken by what has happened to her, but has managed to give us a detailed description of this man. We are keen to trace this man to find out what exactly his intentions were, and to make sure this doesn’t happen again. There is absolutely no need to panic, but please be mindful of this man’s description, and if you see him please call us straight away. It is important when youngsters go out they remain in groups with their friends and stick to well-populated areas."
The girl had been to a nearby shop with friends but went back to buy a drink. She was approached as she returned to her pals.
Cheadle councillor Brian Millard, who will raise the issue at area committee, added: "It is absolutely appalling for this to take place, the park is there to enjoy and is well-used by families. I use it with my grandchildren, I am shocked. It is unusual for this to happen and must have been distressing for the person involved."
Police describe the man as a skinny tanned male with short, dark brown hair, large hands and around 5ft 10in tall. He wore a black, shiny hooded tracksuit that looked waterproof. It was zipped right up with sleeves that ended in tight elastic.
Other visitors to the park have been left outraged. Among them granddad Robert Thompson, 70, from Cheadle, said: "This man must be wicked, he is a bully who gets a kick out of hurting people and thinking he can get away with it. Sadly these days you are not guaranteed to be safe anywhere."
And Kerry Martin, from Heaton Chapel, added: "It is frightening, children should be able to feel safe here. I'll still use the park but wouldn't want my children to come alone. I am shocked as it is a nice peaceful area."
Anyone with any information can contact police on 856 9740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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