GMP steps up fight to stop violence against women

Police officers will step up night patrols across the region to try to reduce violence against women

- GEORGE LYTHGOE

GREATER Manchester Police have launched an operation to tackle violence against women in town and city centres at night.

Operation Lioness was set up in 2021 in Tameside in response to the nationwide call for police to crack down on the issue, and will now be expanding to towns and cities across the region.

Police will be on the look out for anyone committing predatory behaviour, as well as engaging with local bars and partner agencies.

The move comes after reports of a woman being raped inside a toilet cubicle at Bloom in Manchester city centre in the early hours of Wednesday.

Chief Superintendent Nicky Porter, force lead for violence against women and girls, said: "Op Lioness was initially launched as a pilot operation in Tameside but is now ready to go force wide and I am feeling really positive that we will be able to make a big difference.