Shahid Razzaq

On 2nd August 2018, Shahid Razzaq, a 42-year-old man from Hare Street in Rochdale, engaged in a series of predatory incidents targeting young girls in the town. The first incident occurred outside Touchstones Museum, where a 16-year-old girl was waiting for a friend. Razzaq approached her, asking for a light and offering her a cigarette before suggesting they meet later. When she declined, he blocked her path, made lewd comments, and attempted to grab her. The girl fled and immediately contacted the police.

The following day, the same 16-year-old girl recognised Razzaq in footage posted on Facebook by a group of locals. The video, also recorded on 2nd August 2018, captured Razzaq in Broadfield Park being confronted by a member of the public. It was revealed that earlier that evening, Razzaq had approached a group of schoolgirls aged 12, 13, and 15 in the park, offering them money in exchange for sexual acts. The confrontation led to his detention by the member of the public, after which police arrested him. Upon searching Razzaq, officers found he was carrying more than £300 in cash.

During his police interview, Razzaq denied the offences both outside the museum and in the park. However, he later pleaded guilty at court to one count of attempting sexual assault on a girl aged over 16, and to intentionally attempting to cause or incite a girl under 16 to engage in sexual activity. On 18th April 2019, he was sentenced to two years and three months in prison. Additionally, Razzaq was placed on the sex offenders’ register for 10 years and received a sexual harm prevention order lasting the same duration.

Detective Constable David Read of Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale District commented on the case: “Razzaq exhibited a dangerous pattern of offending, which escalated from inappropriate and lewd advances towards a lone, young woman, to attempts at engaging in sexual activity with minors. I have little doubt that he set out that evening in the hope of finding a victim. His behaviour was disgraceful – the actions of an arrogant man who showed utter contempt for the girls he approached, who were simply minding their own business.” Read praised the bravery of the member of the public whose intervention was crucial in apprehending Razzaq, stating: “We can be thankful for the intervention of the member of public, whose quick thinking and bravery in challenging the offender has helped bring this dangerous individual to justice. We’re pleased with today’s sentence and hope the girls involved can get on with their lives knowing that this man is off the streets.”

The case was reported by Hits Radio Manchester on 18th April 2019, highlighting the risks faced by young people in public spaces and the importance of community vigilance in preventing sexual exploitation.