Detectives want to speak to 13 people seen on CCTV near to the scene where a dog walker was sexually assaulted in Tameside. Officers have been hunting the 'abhorrent individual' responsible for the attack against the victim, a woman in her 60s, since last week.
Greater Manchester Police says the victim reported being approached by a man in his 20s, who was of slender build and around 5ft 11ins tall. She was reportedly sexually assaulted while walking her dog in the field near Smallshaw Lane, in Ashton-under-Lyne.
GMP is today (January 13) renewing its appeal for any witnesses to come forward. Door-to-door enquiries have been carried out in the area following the incident, which took place at around 4.30pm on January 2, with at least 100 households spoken to by officers.
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The offender has been described as wearing all dark clothing at the time of the attack, with a hood over his head and a dark-coloured snood covering his nose and mouth, which only provided a partial view of his face. GMP has doorbell and CCTV footage from the time of the incident, but is now asking anyone who was driving or walking in the area to come forward and 'be ruled out of enquiries'.
DS Ian Parker, of Tameside District CID, said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the victim and the bravery she is showing in supporting our investigation and search for this abhorrent individual. We are extremely grateful to everyone in the area who have helped us so far.
"However, we just need some assistance from the people we have yet to identify. We are therefore hoping to trace approximately 13 people in the area, who have been caught on CCTV footage from Vicarage Crescent, which is just off Rowley Street - where Ashton United Football Club is located.
“So if you were out on the evening of January 2, 2023, around 4.30pm, please contact GMP on 0161 856 9262 quoting log number 1896 of January 2, 2023. Alternatively, you can contact us on 101 or via the independent charity - Crimestoppers - anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
GMP says the woman is currently being supported by specialist officers while all resources are being employed to locate the offender. Anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted, or knows someone who has, can contact GMP online or by calling 101. In an emergency, dial 999.
Anonymous reports can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Support is also on hand from a number of organisations across Greater Manchester:
Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre can support men, women and children who have been sexually assaulted - call 24-hour line 0161 276 6515
Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential service run by women, for women who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives - call 0161 273 4500 or email help@manchesterrapecrisis.co.uk
Survivors Manchester supports male victims of rape, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation - call 0161 236 2182.
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