Elderly dog walker sexually assaulted in field in Ashton-under-Lyne

Police are hunting a man who sexually assaulted a woman while she was out walking her dog.

The woman, in her 60s, was walking her pet in a field near Smallshaw Lane in Ashton-Under-Lyne, Tameside, around 4.30pm on Monday 2 January, when she was approached by a stranger and attacked. Police have increased foot patrols in the area but no arrests have been made yet. The man is described as in his 20s, slim and about 5ft 10 -11in. He was dressed in dark clothes with a hood and snood covering his nose and mouth.

Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt said: "Our specialist officers are supporting the victim at this time and we want to do all we can to locate the offender. You will see officers out and about on foot over the next couple of days making enquires and offering reassurance to the community as we move forward with this investigation.

"It is believed that another member of the public was in the field at the time of the assault. If you believe you are this person, please do get in touch as you may be able to help us with our investigation. We appreciate that the description of the offender is very limited, however, we are hoping that someone may have witnessed this incident or may have information that can help us.

"If you were out on that evening in the area of Smallshaw Lane in Ashton-Under-Lyne at around 4.30pm - or you have any CCTV footage or information regarding this incident - then please contact GMP on 0161 856 9262 quoting Log 1896 of 02/01/2023. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111."