Trevor Lawler, 31, is wanted in connection with the rape of a woman in her home and the attempted rape of another as she slept in bed with her son

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

A man is being hunted in connection with the rape of a woman in her home and the attempted rape of another as she slept in bed with her son, police said.

Trevor Lawler, 31, is wanted following the two incidents that took place in the early hours of Friday morning, after which one woman had to be taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Greater Manchester police said the “horrific incidents” were carried out while both victims’ children were present and believe that the same man is responsible.

Shortly after 4.40am on Friday, police said they received a report of the attempted rape of a 24-year-old woman, who was asleep in bed with her young son, at her home in Newton Heath, Manchester. The victim’s boyfriend disturbed the man and he fled the house.

At around 7am, police received a further report that a 33-year-old woman had been raped and assaulted at her home in Failsworth, Greater Manchester. The woman was with her baby at the time.

She is being treated in hospital. The baby was unhurt..

DI Chris Flint, of North Manchester division, said: “These are horrific incidents, during which the victims’ children were present. We have specially trained officers supporting the women and their families at this distressing time.

“I know people in the community will be upset this type of offence has taken place in their neighbourhood and I would like to reassure them that we have a team of experienced detectives working on the case and we are determined to catch the man responsible.

“We believe the man was known to the women and we are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents.

“We have released the photo of a man we want to speak to in connection with the incidents and I would urge you to contact police immediately if you see Trevor.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.