Police looking for information after woman was dragged across a road by man who may live in Chadderton

Do you recognise this man?

Officers have released an E-fit of man they want to speak to after receiving a report that a man dragged a woman across Oldham Road near the junction of Dean Lane in Newton Heath just after midnight yesterday (Tuesday).

An investigation was launched and officers established that the 19-year-old was waiting at a bus stop when a man started a conversation with her.

As a bus approached, the man restrained her and said 'I've got a knife' before dragging her across the road.

A passer-by in a vehicle stopped to assist the woman and the man then ran away. 

The man is described as being white, approximately 5ft 8in tall, of a slim build and in his 40s, with dark eyes and dark shoulder length hair.

At the time of the incident, he was wearing a blue jumper.

During the conversation, the man suggested that he lives in the Chadderton area of Oldham and had spent the day working on roofs.

Detective Inspector Louise Edwards, of GMP's City of Manchester division, said: "This was a frightening incident and we are supporting the woman whilst doing everything we can to identify and locate the man.

"I would like to use this opportunity to thank the member of the public who bravely intervened.

"The investigation team has searched the area and are trawling CCTV, whilst working alongside the bus companies.

"We are now appealing for anyone who travelled along Oldham Road late last night to contact us.

"We are particularly interested in hearing from anyone with dash cam footage."

Anyone with information, or anyone who recognises the man in the picture, should contact police on 0161 856 1146 of 07/09/21 or the independent charity - Crimestoppers - anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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