Detectives investigating the robbery and sexual assault of a woman at knifepoint in Salford have released CCTV images of a potential witness who could hold crucial information.
At around 1am on Tuesday 22 December 2015, a 22-year-old woman was walking along Lamb Lane in Salford when she was approached from behind by a man with a knife.
He put his arm around her neck and held the knife in front of her, demanding that she hand over cash.
Terrified, the woman handed over whatever cash she had, only for the offender to drag her on to some spare land between Lamb Lane and St Stephen’s Street.
He punched her twice to the face, and sexually assaulted her before pushing her to the floor and trying to undress her.
A passing car then beeped its horn, scaring the attacker off, who fled in the direction of the city centre.
The offender is described as white, between 28 and 30 years old, around 5ft 5in tall, of skinny build, short dark hair, a sharp jawline and a moustache.
He had a bar-type piercing to the top of his right ear and was wearing a dark waterproof training jacket that was zipped to the front and dark training pants.
The potential witness was seen on CCTV to be walking across Chapel Street in the direction of Bloom Street a short time after the offender. The witness is wearing a dark coloured jacket and jeans.
Detective Inspector Kenny Blain said: “This is a worrying attack against a woman walking alone and one which could have turned out much worse.
“I dread to think what would have happened had the attacker not been disturbed by the passing car and ran off.
“Obviously we would like any potential witnesses to come forward, but ultimately the safety of people in the area is of paramount concern.
“The witness we wish to speak to is seen walking a short distance behind the offender, and crosses Chapel Street at just after 12.45am.
“If you recognise that man, or believe you are the man in the picture, please contact police as you may hold information crucial to this investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5360 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
