Afghan national charged with raping two 14-year-old girls

Tuesday, 9 December 2025 10:49

An Afghan national has been charged with raping two 14-year-old girls in a flat in Bolton, Greater Manchester Police have said.

Sultani Bakatash, 28, was arrested on Sunday following a report of a rape at a flat in Middle Hulton and has been charged with two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, one count of sexual assault, and one account of assault by penetration.

He has been remanded into custody and will appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates' Court later this morning.

He had allegedly been in contact with the victims online before meeting them, police said.

Both girls are being supported by specialist teams and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley said: "We have acted quickly since this was reported to us in the last 48 hours, and we've been using all available resources to understand what has happened and help this case progress through court.

"We remain firmly committed to protecting young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester and to help people feel safe in their neighbourhood.

"I ask that the public continue to support us while we do whatever is necessary to support the girls and to get this case solved.

"As criminal proceedings are now active, I urge the public not to speculate so that the legal process can take its proper course and the dignity of the girls is maintained."

Sky News

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