CCTV released in hunt for robber

Still image from CCTV of suspect who boarded the number 17 bus after the assault and robbery

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Police hunting a man who robbed a woman in Manchester's Northern Quarter are appealing to people in Rochdale and who may know the offender to get in touch.

Images and footage show a man detectives wish to speak to getting onto the number 17 bus and climbing to the top deck moments after the early-morning attack.

At about 5.10am on Saturday 20 July 2013, a 23-year-old woman was walking along Thomas Street, wearing headphones and listening to music as she went.

As she walked along Tib Street she was approached from behind by the offender, who had been following her.

He grabbed the strap of her bag, forcing her to spin around. During a struggle over her bag the offender told the woman "give me your phone, or I'll slash your face," before hitting the woman on the back of the head with a glass bottle he had been carrying.

She handed over her phone and ran off along Tib Street where she sought help from a taxi driver.

The offender followed the victim and told the driver that she was his girlfriend and that he should ignore her as she was drunk.

The offender is described as being a white man, who spoke with a broad Mancunian accent, in his mid-20s and with worn looking skin. He had green or blue eyes, a very closely shaved head, was clean shaven and had front teeth missing.

He also had a tattoo on the left hand side of his neck.

Police Constable Dave Stebbings, said: "Our investigation into this traumatic experience for the victim is ongoing.

"We received a number of calls following our last appeal but we are still working hard to find the man responsible.

"Due to him boarding the number 17 bus it is reasonable to assume that he either lives or was visiting an address somewhere between north Manchester and Rochdale.

"If you recognise the person in the image along with the description, specifically that he has a tattoo on his neck and has front teeth missing, please call us."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3221, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.