Woman 'threatened with knife' and sexually assaulted in Oldham

Athens Way, Lees

Police are investigating after a woman was sexually assaulted in Oldham.

The woman was approached by a man in Lees, in an area close to the Co-op on Athens Way yesterday afternoon.

The attacker told the woman he had a knife and proceeded to sexually assault her.

The victim was able to raise the alarm and the offender fled the scene in the direction of Lees Road.

The man was described as white, between 5ft 9 to 11, of a skinny build and wearing a black beanie hat, grey hoody with the hood up, a black gilet, grey tracksuit bottoms and black trainers.

He is described as having a local accent.

The woman is currently receiving the appropriate support from officers and high visibility foot patrols are being carried out in the area.

Detective Inspector Andy Fink of GMP's Oldham district, said: "This was a deeply concerning assault and one that will no doubt cause concern amongst the community but I want to reassure the public that we are treating this with the utmost seriousness and following all available lines of enquiry to identify this man.

"This is a popular route for walkers and dog walkers so we're appealing to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and either witnessed the assault or saw a man that matches that description to come forward and speak with police.

"I would urge you to check any CCTV, dash-cam, mobile or door-bell footage you might have from yesterday as you could be holding vital evidence to support our investigation."

Anyone with information should contact police via 0161 856 8915, 101 or via the LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk quoting 2105 of 07/03/22.

Alternatively, the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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