CCTV images and efit released of wanted sex attacker

An Efit image of man wanted in connection with a sex attack in Rochdale.

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Police have released CCTV images and an efit of a man who sexually assaulted a woman and attempted to rape her in Rochdale in a bid to track him down.

Around 5:30pm on Monday 26 October, the 23-year-old woman was at the Esplanade memorial gardens waiting for a lift when the offender attacked.

He approached the woman after walking down Yorkshire Street past the main shopping area and towards the Esplanade.

He spoke to her for a few minutes before taking her to the play area of the memorial gardens.

He then sexually assaulted her and attempted to rape her in a 20 minute ordeal.

The woman escaped and left the gardens in the direction of the post office where she stood by a phone box, but was followed by the attacker.

In a final bid to get rid of the man, the victim walked into the nearby police station. Her plan worked and the man left towards the post office. He then walked up Yorkshire Street at around 6:10pm.

The man was Asian, between 23 and 25 years old, of medium build and around 5ft7ins - 5ft10ins tall. He had short black hair, dark eyebrows, dark eyes and a moustache. He was wearing a brown coat and dark trousers made from thick material.

Detective Inspector Stephen Earnshaw said: "If you were in the memorial gardens around the time of the attack or you recognise the efit and have any information that could help, please contact the police on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

"As the dark nights draw in, I would like to remind everybody who is outside that they should stay in groups where possible.

"If they must go it alone, please stick to busy, well lit areas."

A man was arrested but has been eliminated from the inquiry.