The woman, in her 50s, was walking down a pathway which backs onto Rudd Street when she was approached by a man she did not know, and sexually assaulted. She was able to scream and the man fled the scene.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 25/26 years old and around 180cm in height. He has dreadlocks, glasses, no facial hair and was wearing a black winter puffer jacket and black trousers.

DI David Collins of GMP North Manchester CID said: “This was an extremely distressing incident for the woman who was simply walking along a path when she was attacked.

“We have launched an investigation into this incident and are making a number of enquiries at pace to locate the person responsible.

“We are now asking the public to come forward with any information that may assist us.

“There will be an increased presence of officers in the area whilst we continue with our investigation and anyone who has any concerns should speak to us.”

Anyone with information or anyone who may have seen anything is asked to call 0161 856 1146 quoting incident number 1650 of 3/1/2025 or report it online at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.