Warne Avenue in Droylsden, Tameside
(Picture: Google Maps)A 23-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of abducting and sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) arrested the man on Friday morning, following an incident in Droylsden, Tameside, on Wednesday afternoon.
The force received a number of reports a child had been abducted shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, sparking a major investigation.
GMP said in a statement: “Thankfully, the child – a girl aged six– was safely reunited with her family a short time later.”
Detectives believe a man took the girl from residential street Warne Avenue, and into a wooded area near a disused railway track.
On Thursday, police issued a CCTV appeal in a bid to trace a man they wished to speak to.
On Friday morning, GMP confirmed a 25-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of abduction and sexual assault.
A 35-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday and interviewed by police before being released with no further action.
Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt, of GMP’s Ashton CID, on Thursday praised the little girl’s bravery following her ordeal.
“I’d like to commend the victim for her immense bravery in assisting police officers with our investigation,” he said. “She is receiving support from specialist officers and partners at this really distressing time.
“Extensive enquiries are ongoing with significant resources and I would like to reassure the community and as a precautionary measure we have extra police officers and PCSOs out and about.
“I would like to thank the public for all their support so far. If you do know or see anything, please contact us as soon as you can.”
Anyone with information should contact officers on 0161 856 9262 or LiveChat quoting incident 2270 of 17/08.
Information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
