An Afghan national has been charged with the rape of two teenage girls in Greater Manchester.
Sultani Bakatash was arrested in the early hours of Sunday, December 7, after a report of rape at a flat in the Middle Hulton area of Bolton, police said.
The 28-year-old has now 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.
He is set to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates Court this morning.
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The suspect is alleged to have been in contact with the girls, aged 14, online before meeting them, Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.
The force added that both alleged victims are receiving support by specialist officers.
Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley 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.
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Bakatash was remanded in custody and is due to appear at court this morning
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“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.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
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