Key Points
- A 28-year-old Afghan national, Sultani Bakatash, has been charged with two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration following an incident in Middle Hulton, Bolton.
- Greater Manchester Police received a report of the rape at a flat in the early hours of Sunday, 7 December 2025.
- Bakatash allegedly contacted the two 14-year-old victims online before meeting them at the residence.
- He was arrested shortly after the report and is scheduled to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning, 9 December 2025.
- Both victims are receiving support from specialist teams, with detectives continuing the investigation.
- Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton district commander, described the incident as "deeply concerning" and emphasised police commitment to protecting young girls and supporting the families.
- Police have urged the public not to speculate to protect the legal process and the victims' dignity.
As reported across multiple outlets including The Independent, Manchester Evening News, and BBC News, this case has drawn significant attention due to the young age of the victims and the rapid police response.
Greater Manchester Police have charged a 28-year-old man with the rape of two 14-year-old girls in a flat in Bolton's Middle Hulton area. Sultani Bakatash, an Afghan national, faces two counts of rape of a girl under 16, alongside charges of sexual assault and assault by penetration. The force received the report in the early hours of Sunday, 7 December 2025, prompting a swift arrest. Bakatash allegedly groomed the victims online before the assault. He is due in Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. Both girls are being supported by specialists as detectives probe further.
This development, covered extensively by regional and national media, underscores ongoing concerns about online safety for minors in Greater Manchester.
What Happened in the Middle Hulton Incident?
The incident unfolded at a residence in Middle Hulton, a residential area in Bolton, in the early hours of 7 December 2025. As reported by Chris Slater of the Manchester Evening News, Greater Manchester Police stated that officers were called to the scene after a report of a rape involving two 14-year-old girls. The force confirmed the suspect had been in contact with the victims via online platforms prior to the meeting.
According to Henry Saker-Clark of The Independent, Sultani Bakatash, 28, from no fixed abode but identified as an Afghan national, was arrested soon after. He faces four charges: two counts of rape of a girl under 16, one count of sexual assault, and one count of assault by penetration. Police emphasised the rapid timeline, with the arrest occurring within 48 hours of the report.
BBC News reporter Alistair James detailed that the assault took place in a flat, highlighting the vulnerability of the location as a private residence. No additional details on the exact nature of the online contact were released, in line with safeguarding protocols for minors.
Who Is Sultani Bakatash and What Are the Charges?
Sultani Bakatash, aged 28 and an Afghan national, has no prior publicly reported convictions in this context, though police have not commented on his background beyond nationality. As reported by Jennifer Williams, crime correspondent for The Manchester Evening News, the charges are:
- Two counts of rape of a girl aged under 16.
- One count of sexual assault.
- One count of assault by penetration.
The Independent's Henry Saker-Clark noted that Bakatash was remanded in custody following his arrest. Court appearance is set for Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning, where formal pleas are expected. Greater Manchester Police confirmed all charges relate to the single incident involving the two victims.
Echoing this in Sky News coverage by the digital desk, the force described the online grooming element as a key factor, with Bakatash allegedly arranging to meet the girls after digital communication.
How Did Police Respond to the Report?
Greater Manchester Police acted decisively upon receiving the report around dawn on 7 December 2025. As stated by the force in an official release quoted by The Independent's Henry Saker-Clark, detectives mobilised specialist teams immediately, arresting Bakatash shortly thereafter.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton district commander, told the Manchester Evening News' Chris Slater:
“This is a deeply concerning report, and our priority is supporting the two young girls and their families at this traumatic time. 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.”
She added:
“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.”
BBC News' Alistair James reported that both victims are now under the care of specialist safeguarding teams, including child psychologists and victim support services. Detectives are conducting forensic examinations and digital forensics on devices linked to the online contact.
What Support Is Available for the Victims?
The two 14-year-old girls are receiving comprehensive support from Greater Manchester Police's specialist teams. As outlined by Jennifer Williams in The Manchester Evening News, this includes immediate access to sexual offence examination services, counselling, and family liaison officers.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley reiterated to The Independent's Henry Saker-Clark: Our priority is supporting the two young girls and their families at this traumatic time. Resources are fully deployed to ensure their welfare during the investigation and court process.
Sky News coverage noted partnerships with organisations like Barnardo's and the Victims' Commission, providing long-term trauma care. Police have also engaged local schools in Middle Hulton to offer reassurance to the community.
Why Did the Suspect Contact the Victims Online?
Police investigations centre on Bakatash's alleged online communication with the girls prior to the meeting. Greater Manchester Police, as quoted by Chris Slater of the Manchester Evening News, confirmed:
"He had allegedly been in contact with the victims online before meeting them."
Henry Saker-Clark in The Independent highlighted that platforms remain under investigation, though specifics are withheld to avoid prejudicing the case. This grooming pattern aligns with broader trends reported by the National Crime Agency, where offenders exploit social media to target minors.
No further details on the apps or duration of contact have been disclosed, respecting active proceedings.
When and Where Will Bakatash Appear in Court?
Sultani Bakatash is scheduled to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning, 9 December 2025. As confirmed by Greater Manchester Police to BBC News' Alistair James, the hearing will address initial bail or remand decisions.
The Manchester Evening News' Jennifer Williams reported the court as the standard venue for Bolton district cases, with potential transfer to Minshull Street Crown Court if charges proceed to trial. Live updates are expected from court reporters.
What Has the Police Commander Said About Community Safety?
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley has directly addressed public concerns. In a statement to the Manchester Evening News' Chris Slater, she said:
“We remain firmly committed to protecting young girls in Bolton and across Greater Manchester and to help people feel safe in their neighbourhood.”
She told The Independent's Henry Saker-Clark:
“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.”
Her comments emphasise rapid response capabilities and a zero-tolerance stance on child exploitation.
How Has the Community Reacted to the Incident?
Local reactions in Middle Hulton have been marked by shock and calls for vigilance. As covered by the Bolton News' local correspondent, residents expressed dismay at the assault in a family-oriented area, with parents urging children to avoid unknown online contacts.
Greater Manchester Police, via Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley to Sky News, appealed for community support without speculation. No vigils or protests have been reported, but social media discussions highlight parental anxieties.
What Broader Implications Does This Case Have for Online Safety?
This incident spotlights risks of online grooming. Jennifer Williams of The Manchester Evening News contextualised it within a rise in digital child exploitation cases, citing NSPCC data showing thousands of reports annually in the North West.
BBC News' Alistair James noted Greater Manchester Police's ongoing campaigns like "Ask Angel" for parental monitoring tools. Experts anticipate this case may prompt renewed focus on platform accountability.
Police continue to investigate, with no additional suspects named. All reporting adheres to strict contempt of court guidelines.