Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 17-year-old was stabbed to death in a Luton park, as detectives in Greater Manchester also detain a man in his 20s over two linked sex attacks on women in Rochdale.
The arrests in Luton follow the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy at a park. The suspects, both teenagers themselves, are being held for questioning. Bedfordshire Police have not released further details of the incident or the identities of those arrested.
“Two teenagers arrested for murder of 17-year-old in Luton park; man in 20s held for Rochdale park sex attacks.”
Separately, Greater Manchester Police said a man in his 20s had been arrested on suspicion of two counts of attempted rape after two women were attacked in separate parks less than two hours apart. The first assault was reported at about 6.15am from Broadfield Park, Rochdale, where a woman said she had been sexually assaulted by a stranger. A second woman then contacted police at 08:38 from Milnrow Memorial Park, reporting a similar attack by a man she did not know.
Police said the women gave 'similar' descriptions of their attacker, leading officers to believe the incidents were linked. They had been searching for a 'black male believed to have been wearing a three-piece suit or smart black clothes and a dark coat', also carrying a briefcase, according to the victims' accounts. CCTV footage from a 'robust investigation' showed a suspect leaving the Coco Lounge bar in Rochdale town centre at 5am, before the attacks.
On Saturday evening, police confirmed a man in his 20s had been arrested. 'The man remains in custody for questioning as enquiries continue,' a force statement said. 'The victims are being supported by specialist officers in this difficult and traumatic time.' They are appealing for anyone with information to contact GMP on 101 quoting incident numbers 79 and 880 of 25/07/2026, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Both investigations are ongoing. The arrests mark a significant step in two separate cases that have shocked local communities, but officers in both forces are expected to continue their enquiries.