Usama Al-Sari, 28, charged with rape and other offences

The Crown Prosecution Service has charged Usama Al-Sari, 28 years old, with a long list of offences, including:

Rape - Up to 19 years in prison if convicted, under Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act (2003).

Sexual assault - Up to 7 years in prison if convicted, under Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act (2003).

Kidnap with intent to commit a sexual offence - Up to life imprisonment if convicted, under Section 62 of the Sexual Offences Act (2003).

Possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence - Up to 10 years in prison if convicted, under Section 16A of the Firearms Act (1968).

Threats to kill - Up to 10 years in prison if convicted, under Section 16 of the Offences Against The Person Act (1861).

Theft - Up to 7 years in prison if convicted, under Section 1 of the Theft Act (1968).

Possession of cannabis - Up to 5 years in prison if convicted, under Section 5(2) of the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971).

He has been remanded in police custody and was due to appear at Salford Magistrates' Court earlier today (Thursday 11th September). Due to the severity of the allegations, the case will no doubt be referred up to the Crown Court for a jury trial.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to a report of rape at Heaton Mersey Park in Stockport earlier this week (Tuesday 9th September), late into the evening at around 9.30pm. The female victim was found at the scene and within an hour police officers had managed to arrest the suspect.

The victim told police that the suspect had allegedly used what looked like a firearm to coerce her to go with him to Heaton Mersey Park, whereupon he allegedly raped her. A short time after the alleged rape she managed to free herself and run away, prompting the suspect to flee the scene before later being apprehended by police officers.

Superintendent Dave Henthorne of GMP tried to assure the local community, claiming that "stranger rape is extremely uncommon", and that hopefully the "swift arrest" shows the community there is no wider risk. An increased police presence in the local area has also aimed to reassure residents.

GMP made the unusual decision of providing the nationality and ethnicity of Usama Al-Sari, describing him as a "British national of mixed ethnic background (white and Asian)". While this would never historically be provided, in August 2025 the College of Policing set out new guidelines encouraging the release of such information in certain circumstances.

The change in guidelines comes after recent UK events such as the 2024 Southport stabbings and their subsequent riots, where misinformation about the identity of the suspect spread online. According to the new guidelines, the information may be released in "high-profile or sensitive cases", especially ones which may lead to "community tension".

This map entry relates to charges brought against an individual. Charges are allegations and must not be taken as evidence of guilt. The accused enjoys the right to a fair trial and is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.