A man has been charged with the rape of two 14-year-old girls in Bolton. Greater Manchester Police says it received a report of a rape at a flat in the Middle Hulton area in the early hours of Sunday morning (December 7).
Officers arrested Sultani Bakatash, a 28-year-old Afghan national, in connection with the alleged incident. He has since 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.
Bakatash (born March 21, 1997) has been remanded into custody, reports the Manchester Evening News. He is due to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court this morning (Tuesday).
(Image: MEN MEDIA)
A GMP spokesperson said the two girls are being supported by specialist teams as officers continue to investigate the full circumstances of the alleged incident.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Bolton district commander, said: “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. 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.”
If anyone has any information regarding the alleged incident, they’re urged to contact the police directly online or by dialling 101, quoting incident number 3573 of December 6, 2025. Information can also be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.