Overview

• A jury at Manchester Crown Court found 23-year-old Hassan Mahmood guilty of four counts of child sexual offences after a four-day trial continued in his absence.
• Mahmood’s offences include engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a child under 13, causing a child under 13 to view sexual images, sexual activity in the presence of a child under 13 and sexual communication with a child.
• He is believed to have fled the UK on the second day of his trial and may be abroad, according to Greater Manchester Police.
• An international manhunt is underway with officers urging anyone with information to contact them via 101, online reporting or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
• The case originated from an extensive investigation by GMP’s Bury Complex Safeguarding Team and Child Criminal Exploitation Team, with Detective Constable Shaheen Saleh leading the public appeal.