A supply teacher has been accused of a string of child sex offences after allegedly taking secret photographs up teenage girls’ skirts while working at multiple schools.

Abusali Rahman, 36, who taught English, was arrested after a parent contacted police over an image of their child in school uniform being circulated on social media.

Following an investigation into upskirting and voyeurism, officers have identified 13 girls aged between 13 and 16 at seven high schools across Greater Manchester who were allegedly targeted by Rahman over an 18-month period.

In all the identified cases, their schools – in Bury, Bolton and Salford - and parents have been informed.

But police are urgently trying to trace four girls from two high schools whose pictures were found following Rahman’s arrest but who haven’t yet been identified.

Rahman, described by police as a British national of Bangladeshi ethnicity from Salford, became a qualified teacher in 2023. He was remanded in custody when he appeared in court in April charged with 21 offences.

They are:

• Twelve counts of taking an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child by upskirting.
• Three counts of publishing an obscene article involving AI-generated sexualised images.
• Three counts of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child involving making AI-generated images.
• One count of distributing an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child by sharing an upskirting image with another user.
• One count of attempting to meet girl under 16 following sexual grooming via online chat.
• One count of operating equipment beneath clothing of another without consent.

Rahman was arrested in June 2025 after a concern was raised by a parent about an image of their child in school uniform being circulated by a social media account.

It prompted an upskirting investigation by Greater Manchester Police’s Online Child Abuse Investigation Team.

Since then a significant amount of specialist and sensitive work has since gone into trying to identify girls on those images, the force said today.

The offences are alleged to have taken place between December 2023 and June 2025.

All the upskirting charges relate to alleged offending in schools.

Safeguarding teams are involved, with specialist support on offer.

Rahman hasn’t worked in schools since his arrest, and all the schools where he worked have been contacted by police.

A spokesman said: ‘If you as a parent have not been informed personally, then your child has not been identified as a potential victim in this case.

‘If we receive further information relevant to our investigation, then we will sensitively and directly approach impacted schools, like we have done so far, to ensure that parents are informed.’

Rahman appeared at Wigan Magistrates’ Court in April 2026. He will appear at Bolton Crown Court on May 28.

Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, head of GMP’s Public Protection Division, said: ‘I must start by stressing that the parents of the girls identified, and their schools, are being kept informed and supported throughout this process.

‘If you were not aware of this case prior to today, then your child has not been identified as an alleged victim.

‘We have been in contact with all schools we know Mr Rahman worked at in the north west since he became a qualified teacher in July 2023.

‘No further alleged criminal offences have been identified at this time.

‘The police, schools, the local authorities, safeguarding leads and specialist support services are working closely together throughout this investigation.

‘I understand the concern and upset that will come with this news.

‘It is so important that everyone refrains from speculation as this is an active case where the girls affected have a right to lifelong anonymity and the defendant has a right to a fair trial.

‘The last thing that needed now is speculation around this case – if you know something, please report it directly to us.’

Anyone who wants to report an offence or has any information on this investigation should contact operation.messina@gmp.police.uk or call 101 quoting Operation Pomerie.

You can also pass details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.