Convicted Bury child sex predator vanishes mid-trial as police launch urgent international manhunt

Tuesday, 12 August 2025 16:42

By David Murphy

Police are urgently appealing for information after a convicted child sex offender from Bury fled the country mid-trial.

Hassan Mahmood, 23, of Gigg Lane, Bury, was found guilty in his absence of four child sexual offences following a trial at Manchester Crown Court. His crimes included engaging in penetrative sexual activity with a girl under 13, sexual communication with a child, causing a child to view sexual activity, and sexual activity in the presence of a child.

The offences came to light after an investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s Bury Complex Safeguarding Team.

Mahmood vanished on the second day of the four-day trial, sparking an international manhunt. GMP has vowed to find him “no matter where he thinks he can hide”.

Detective Constable Shaheen Saleh described Mahmood’s actions as “abhorrent” and said fleeing the trial was a cowardly attempt to evade justice. She warned that he is “only prolonging the inevitable” and urged the public to help track him down.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to protecting children,” she said, adding that support was being provided to the victim and their family.

Anyone with information on Mahmood’s whereabouts is urged to contact GMP online, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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