Woman stabbed in the neck

Image of a man police would like to speak to in connection with the stabbing

A woman was stabbed in the neck in Rochdale.

Just after 8.45pm on Thursday (8 May 2014), a 30-year-old woman and two friends were approached by a man.

After a short discussion they walked to a footbridge that crosses from Lincoln Street to Oldham Road near the railway bridge.

Following another short discussion, the man hit her, knocking her to the ground. He demanded money before stabbing her in the neck with a knife and running off in the direction of Oldham Road.

The man left empty handed.

The woman was taken to hospital for treatment but was later released.

The offender is described as being white, in his 30s to early 40s, short, of large build, had curly brown hair, wore a dark coloured suit, white/light coloured shirt and dark coloured tie.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Jones said: "This was an unprovoked and vicious attack on a sex worker which left her with a knife in her neck. Fortunately, her injuries were not serious but she has been very lucky and we could have been dealing with a murder.

"The community will understandably be concerned about what has happened however, we have increased patrols in the area and we are determined to find who is responsible.

"We do need help from the public and I would ask anyone who may recognise the description of the man or who saw the attack take place near to the bridge, to contact us straight away."

Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.