Police appeal for potential Tameside robbery victims who were targeted by thief using gay dating app

Police are appealing for potential victims to come forward after a teenager was arrested following reports of a robbery in Tameside.

The 19-year-old man was arrested after he used a dating app to meet another man on September 2. During the encounter, the other man's phone was stolen and the alleged thief insulted him using a homophobic sur.

Following initial inquiries into the incident, the suspect was arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in custody.

Further work has led officers to believe others may have been targeted, with money potentially being taken, and all lines of enquiry are now being explored.

Anyone who thinks they may have encountered a similar incident is now being urged to get in touch with police, as they continue to compile evidence.

PC Toni Kos, from GMP’s Tameside district, said: “I firstly want to thank the victim in this instance, as I know coming forward to report incidents like this can make people feel uncomfortable. But I want to reassure people that we will always investigate reports of this nature and seek to secure the justice that victims deserve. I hope our arrest demonstrates our commitment to that.

“I would further add that we are looking at potential other victims and I want them to know that we will listen, we will investigate, and we will act. These sort of acts, that can leave people feeling vulnerable and targeted for who they are, have no place in our communities.

“If you have any information that you would like to share, please do contact police on 101 or via the Live Chat service on our website at gmp.police.uk. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can do this through the independent charity Crimestoppers, via their website, or on 0800 555 111.”