Police appeal following sexual assault in Middleton

CCTV image of the man the police want to speak to in connection with the assault

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with a sexual assault in Middleton.

A teenage girl was sexually assaulted on the corner of Sunny Brow Road and Harold Street at about 3.50pm on 5 November 2010.

The 15-year-old girl was followed by a man as she walked away from the Middleton Arndale Centre and then sexually assaulted.

Her attacker then ran off.

The man is described as white, about 6ft tall, in his mid to late 20s and had stubble around his mouth and chin. He was said to be of a skinny build and wearing a grey hooded top.

Anyone who has information about the attack is asked to call police.

Police Constable Chris Hickey said: "Clearly an incident like this can cause people in the area to feel concerned. I want to stress that this is being treated as an isolated incident and I do not want anyone to be alarmed, but it is right that we should alert the community so they can take steps to keep themselves safe.

"I specifically want to appeal to anyone who either recognises the man in the CCTV or who has any information about what happened to call us.

"I'd like to appeal to anybody who was out in that area, especially people who walk their dogs, cycle or jog.

"You may have seen someone acting suspiciously. If you saw anything at all, please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 872 5050 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.