Man charged after kidnapping a girl in Altrincham

A man has been charged with kidnapping a girl and serious sexual offences in Altrincham

Paul Sharpe (56), from the Stockport area, has been charged with a number of offences following an incident in Altrincham earlier this week.

The charges are as follows:

• Kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence
• Sexual assault
• Attempted sexual assault
• Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
• Threats with a bladed article
• Administering a substance with intent

Sharpe has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court today (Friday 22 May 2026).

The charges follow a report that a teenage girl had been abducted at approximately 6:45pm on 18/05/26 in Bowdon, Altrincham.

Detective Chief Inspector Justin Bryant, of the Criminal Investigation Department in Trafford, said: “Officers are continuing to work tirelessly on this investigation to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The girl and her parents are now being supported by specialist officers, who are working with her to build up a full picture of the incident.

“As this is a live investigation, people should refrain from online speculation.

“We would like to reassure the public that there is no wider risk to the community in connection with this matter.”