Police are re-appealing for witnesses to come forward a week on from a sexual assault in Ashton-under-Lyne

Officers have today re-appealed for witnesses to come forward just over a week after a woman was subjected to a sexual assault when walking her dog in the field near Smallshaw Lane in Ashton-under-Lyne.

The victim, who is in her 60’s, reported being approached by a man in his 20’s, who was of slender build and around five foot eleven inches tall, at around 4.30pm on the evening of 2 January 2023.

She described him as wearing all dark clothing, with a hood over his head and a dark-coloured snood covering his nose and mouth, which only provided her with a partial view of his face.

She is being supported by specialist officers whilst all resources are being employed to locate the offender. House-to-house enquiries have been carried out in the area and no less than 100 households have been spoken to.

GMP are in possession of doorbell footage and CCTV but are now asking for anyone who was driving in the area, to come forward with any dashcam footage and for other people in the area at the time of the assault, to come forward to 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 2 January 2023, around 4.30pm, please contact GMP on 0161 856 9262 quoting log number 1896 of 02/01/2023.

“Alternatively, you can contact us on 101 or via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Support Available

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available. Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

You can also find information and advice via our website.

Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape, or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.