Sticky liquid man strikes again (From Prestwich and Whitefield Guide)

Sticky liquid man strikes again

4:45pm Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News By Dale Haslam, Reporter

A MAN suspected of putting an unknown liquid onto unsuspecting victims has struck again after a three-year absence.

Police said that a man followed a teenage girl down Harris Drive in Unsworth, Bury, on Tuesday morning and threw a sticky white substance on their clothing.

A similar thing happened in Kennedy Drive, Unsworth on January 11.

The incidents are similar to six incidents in late 2009 when a man followed schoolgirls along the street and threw a liquid onto their skirts and tights or tried to do so before the girls ran off.

Those incidents took place in Prestwich, Whitefield and in Bury town centre.

Detectives at the time sent the substance off to forensic experts who spent four months analysing the material to identify it.

According to investigation leaders within Bury CID, they were able to conclude that it was most likely a “substance belonging to an animal” but could not specify what it is.

The victims in the latest incidents described the man as white, aged 20 to 40 and between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in tall.

Detective Chief Inspector Sara Wallwork said: "Specially trained officers have been speaking to and supporting the two victims as part of the investigation and inquiries are ongoing.

"Due to the similar nature of these incidents, we are considering the possibility that they are linked although we are keeping an open mind.

"We are well aware that these incidents are very similar to a serious of incidents in Bury three years ago. Understandably there will be concerns due to the similarity.

"We are taking these incidents very seriously and together with the local authority we are engaging with local schools.

"We are reviewing the original investigation and keeping an open mind as to the possibility that the same man may be responsible. I ask anyone with information that may help this investigation to please call us."

Call Bury CID on 0161 856 8152 with information.