Woman sexually harassed in Hyde – Not Really Here Group

Police are appealing for information following reports of a serious sexual assault in Hyde on Friday morning.

At around 6:40 a.m., a woman was walking on Grafton Street, just off Clark Way, when a man approached her from behind and forced her onto a nearby patch of grass.

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 is the focus of their ongoing work.

The officers would now like to speak to a man who will help them with their investigation. The man is described as white, in his twenties, with a light beard and a slim build.

Officers are keen to identify anyone who was in the area at the time – including the area around Clark Way, Grafton Street, King Street, the pedestrian bridge and the nearby bus stop – and are asking that you contact them.

This includes anyone with relevant doorbell, dashboard or surveillance footage from the time of the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Abdul Kahar, of Greater Manchester Police’s Tameside district, said: “Our specialist officers are supporting the woman involved in this serious incident and we are doing everything we can to provide her with the appropriate care she now needs.”

“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.

“Local residents will experience an increased police presence in the area and surrounding areas and I would encourage residents to contact our officers with any further concerns.

“I would ask anyone with 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 Criminal Investigation Directorate on 0161 856 9262 via 101 or gmp.police.uk quoting report 479 of 05.07.24.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.