£10,000 reward to trace man from Manchester

A £10,000 reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest of a man police want to speak to in connection with the rape of a student.

Police have taken the step of issuing a picture of 40 year old Paul Atta in a bid to trace him. He is also known as Tony. The money will be rewarded to anyone who has information leading to his arrest. Atta is known in the Rusholme and Moss Side areas and is known to use gyms and visit hostels in the city centre. He is known to have links to Preston, Lancashire. Officers want to trace him in connection with incidents during the early morning of Monday, 19 July 2010. Shortly after 4.30am on Monday, 19 July 2010, police were called to Hulme Hall on Oxford Place, to a report of a burglary. A short time later, a student was raped in her accommodation on Lower Park Road, Rusholme. The 19 year old woman, who was sharing the flat with two other students, was asleep in bed when a man went into her bedroom and raped her at knifepoint. The incident was reported to police shortly after 6.15am. Police believe the two incidents are linked.

Superintendent Stuart Barton, of GMP's Metropolitan division, said:- "We need to speak to Atta urgently. If anyone knows him or his whereabouts, you must get in touch straight away. We're offering a £10,000 reward to anyone with information leading to his arrest. Think about that - all you need to do is call. Any information we receive will be treated sensitively and nobody need ever know who you are. I'd also like to appeal directly to Atta again or indeed anyone who may be supporting him at the moment - if you see or hear this, it is vital you call us."

Anyone with information as to Atta's whereabouts must call:- 0161 856 4245 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111.

Editors note:- "THE ADDRESS OF THE RAPE VICTIM IS INCLUDED FOR INVESTIGATION REASONS. IT HAS BEEN INCLUDED WITH HER CONSENT ACCORDING TO GMP."

MOUNTED SECTION VISIT - 100 YEAR OLD RESIDENT

MERSEYSIDE Police's Mounted section visited Betty Murray, who is celebrating her 100th birthday. Mounted officers, Constables Paul Coleman and Sarah Anwyl visited Betty in her sheltered accommodation in Norris Green with horses Rebel and Jaguar. Mrs Murray used to attend the Canning Place day centre, which was in the city centre and was visited several times by the mounted section. Betty told officers she used to take apples and carrots to feed the horses and would wave at them as they walked past.

Mounted officers last visited Betty when she was 86 years old and was recovering from an operation.

Betty celebrated her 100th birthday on Friday, 23 July 2010, and was surprised when officers brought her a bunch of flowers. She also got the opportunity to feed the horses apples like she used to.

Mounted Section Inspector Mark Fallows:- "My officers were delighted to visit Betty today, we think she may be our oldest fan. This is what is so fantastic about the mounted section, the horses break down barriers and allow officers to meet and talk to members of the public."