Man stabbed after 'struggle' with woman he assaulted on Rochdale canal

Photo: Google, DigitalGlobe

Rochdale Canal in Castleton

A man was stabbed after a 'struggle' with a woman he assaulted on the towpath of Rochdale canal near Blue Pit Mill on Monday evening (6 January).

The woman, in her 50s, was walking her dog when was approached by a man armed with a knife. He assaulted the woman before a brief struggle ensued which resulted in the man receiving a stab wound.

The man was initially detained by a group of men that were walking nearby but he managed to flee towards the Blue Pits Pub.

Officers searched the area with the support of the police helicopter.

The man has been described as white, aged in his 20s, of medium build and height with blond hair. He was wearing a grey hoody with dark tracksuit bottoms.

The woman suffered minor injuries and is being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Sergeant Charles Stewart, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “We are currently working to trace the man who will no doubt require medical attention and we want to ensure that he receives appropriate treatment.

“I would urge him or anyone who knows anything about the man’s whereabouts to get in touch as soon as possible.

“We have specialist officers supporting the woman who has been left incredibly shaken by this incident and I would ask any witnesses or anyone with any information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8437 or 101 quoting incident number 2372 of 06/01/2020, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.