Woman was groped and sexually abused in ‘truly cruel crime’

A woman was grabbed from behind by a man, pushed onto a patch of grass and then sexually assaulted, detectives said today. Police chiefs spoke of a “truly gruesome crime” and said she was receiving specialist medical care.

A full investigation has been launched today into what Greater Manchester Police described as a “serious sexual assault” in the Hyde area of ​​Tameside. The woman was attacked at around 6.40am on Friday morning.

She was walking along Grafton Street, just off Clark Way in Hyde, when police say a man approached her from behind and forced her onto a nearby patch of grass.

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A police spokesman said on Saturday: “The woman subsequently reported that she had been the victim of a serious sexual assault. She is currently being cared for by specialist officers and her welfare and care are at the heart of their ongoing work.”

“Officers would now like to speak to a man to assist with their investigation. The man is described as white, slim, in his twenties and with a light beard.

“Officers would like to identify anyone who was in the area at the time – including the area around Clark Way, Grafton Street, King Street, the footbridge and the nearby bus stop. Please come forward. This includes anyone who has relevant doorbell, dashcam or CCTV footage from the time of the incident.”

As reported, officers have been on site since at least Friday morning. A footpath has been cordoned off near the bridge that leads from Hyde Bus Station to Grafton Street. A blue police tent has also been set up for forensic investigations.

Detective Chief Inspector Abdul Kahar, of Greater Manchester Police’s Tameside district, said police patrols had been increased.

He said: “Our professionals are supporting the woman involved in this serious incident and we are doing everything we can to provide her with the appropriate care she needs now.”

“This is a truly horrific crime and we are determined to bring whoever is responsible to justice. No woman should feel unsafe on the streets of Greater Manchester. We are determined to do everything in our power to bring the investigation forward expeditiously.

“Locals will experience an increased police presence in and around the area and I would encourage members of the public to contact our officers with any further concerns. I would ask anyone who has any information to please contact officers. Particularly if you were in the area at the time of the incident and noticed anything, whether it looked suspicious, unusual or out of place.

“Please contact us as your help could prove extremely useful. No matter how big or small it may seem, any information is extremely useful.”

“If you have any information please contact Crime Stoppers on 0161 856 9262 via 101 or gmp.police.uk quoting log 479 of 05/07/24. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

No further details were announced.