A woman was grabbed from behind by a man who forced her onto a patch of grass then sexually assaulted her, detectives revealed today. Police chiefs have spoken of a ‘truly horrific crime’ and said she was getting specialist support.
A major investigation into what Greater Manchester Police called a ‘serious sexual assault’ in the Hyde area of Tameside was underway today. The woman was attacked at around 6.40am on Friday morning.
She was walking past Grafton Street, just off Clark Way in Hyde, when police said a man approached her from behind and forced her to a nearby patch of grass.
A police spokesman said on Saturday: “The woman subsequently reported she was the victim of a serious sexual assault. She is currently being assisted by specialist officers and her wellbeing and care is at the heart of their ongoing work.
“Officers are now seeking to talk to a man to assist their enquiries. The man is described as being white, slim, aged in his 20s with light-coloured facial hair.
“Officers are keen on identifying anyone who was in the area around that time – including the area around Clark Way, Grafton Street, King Street, the footbridge, and the nearby bus station to please get in touch. This includes anyone who may have any relevant doorbell, dashcam, or CCTV footage from around the time of the incident.”
As reported, officers have been on the scene since at least the early hours of Friday morning. A walkway was taped off close to the bridge leading from Hyde Bus Station to Grafton Street. A blue police forensic tent was also put in place.
Detective Chief Inspector Abdul Kahar, from Greater Manchester Police’s Tameside district, said police patrols have been stepped up.
He said: “Our specialist officers are supporting the woman involved in this serious incident and we are doing all we can to provide the appropriate care that she needs at this time.
“This is a truly horrific crime and we are determined to bring the person responsible to justice – no woman should feel unsafe when walking the streets of Greater Manchester, and we are committed to doing everything we possibly can to progress this investigation at pace.
“The local community will see an increased police presence in and around the area and I would encourage members of the public to approach our officers if they have any additional concerns. I would like to appeal to anyone with information to please get in touch with officers. In particular, if you were around the area at the time of the incident and saw anything whether it looked suspicious, unusual or out of place.
“Please contact us as your help could prove to be extremely useful. No matter how big or small it may seem, all information is hugely beneficial.”
“If you have any information, please contact the Criminal Investigation Department on 0161 856 9262 via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log 479 of 05/07/24. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
No further details have been released.
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