Dog saves sex victim

A 32-YEAR-OLD woman was sexually assaulted as she walked along a field in Tameside.

The victim was pushed to the ground by a man as she strolled along Fields Farm Road, Hattersley, at 8.30pm on Sunday.

The man then pulled at her pants and punched her in the face while exposing himself.

He was scared off when the victim’s dog bit him on the calf and he ran away towards Waterside Road. The woman was not seriously injured but was left extremely shaken.

Det Insp Iain Foulkes, from Tameside CID, said: “The victim has understandably been left traumatised by this attack and it is vital we catch the man responsible.

“He was bitten on the calf by the victim’s dog and I am keen to speak to anyone that may have seen or know a man with an injury on to his leg like this.

“I would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident that we are taking very seriously.

“I do not want to cause alarm but I would urge people living in the area, particularly women, to be vigilant and if you are out walking at night, try to stick to well-lit areas and keep in groups.”

The offender is described as white, aged 35-40, 6ft tall and of medium build. He had very light blonde hair, which was short with a fringe and was wearing a light coloured jacket with dark grey shiny tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Tameside CID on 0161-856 9255 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555 111.