Manchester sex attacks: Police release teens arrested over university campus

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Two teenagers arrested over a series of "appalling" sex attacks near one of the UK's biggest university campuses have been released.

Police said the pair must return and face questions later today, and have appealed to the public for more information.

The 14-year-old boy and 18-year-old man were arrested in connection with three attacks around Manchester University in September and October.

Police yesterday released an e-fit image of the offender, in an attempt to stop him before the crimes escalate in seriousness.

The first two assaults took place within a quarter of an hour on Saturday 21 September. A 27-year-old woman was approached from behind and grabbed in Lloyd Street North just after 6pm, but the offender ran off when she screamed. Shortly after, on nearby Oxford Road, a 21-year-old woman was approached by a boy who made lewd comments as she left John Rylands library.

She carried on walking on Moss Lane East and was sexually assaulted.

The second victim described her attacker as a young Asian boy of 12, wearing green jeans and glasses.

And just after 2pm on Saturday 5 October, at Manchester Science Park - also on Lloyd Street North - two young boys approached a 32-year-old woman, and one of them sexually assaulted her.

She pushed the boy away but he approached her again and sexually assaulted her for a second time before running off towards Pencroft Way.

She said the attacker was slim, Asian, 12 to 13 years old, wearing baggy trousers and carrying a rucksack. She also described his companion as a young Asian boy.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Larkin said: "These crimes have shocked everyone and I am pleased to say that we have now made two arrests.

"I would like to thank members of the public and the media for their support and the information they have provided."

"I want to reassure the community that, whilst we have made arrests, we will continue to investigate these appalling incidents so we so can establish all the facts and who is responsible.

"I would continue to appeal to anyone who either has information about these three attacks or has information about any other incidents of this nature to come forward."