Manhunt after bid to rape dog walker
STRANGER HELD KNIFE TO TERRIFIED WOMAN’S THROAT IN WASTELAND ATTACK
A DOG walker was attacked by a man who held a knife to her throat and attempted to rape her.
The victim, aged in her 30s, was walking her two dogs on wasteland, near to Bedford Avenue in Walkden, Salford, when she was approached by a stranger.
The man asked her for the time, but then grabbed the terrified woman and dragged her into some nearby trees.
He then threatened the victim with a knife and ordered her to hand over her jewellery.
Police said the attacker then tried to rape the woman, but she managed to fight him off and fled the scene.
Greater Manchester Police are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with further information to come forward.
The attacker is described as white, of stocky build and aged in his mid-30s.
He was wearing a black baseball cap, black tracksuit and was wearing white Nike trainers with a white tick on them.
Yesterday, investigators were studying the area for clues.
Det Insp Ben Cottam, from GMP’s Salford borough, said: “The victim has been extremely brave and we continue to support her during this difficult time. “Before the attack took place she passed a number of people in the field including a family, an elderly couple and some teenagers on bikes. “These people are not in any trouble but they may have key information which could help us with this case. Even if you think you didn’t see anything suspicious, please still get in touch with us.
“I understand this will cause concern in the community and I want to stress we are doing everything in our power to find the person responsible.
“No one should be scared to go about their daily business and we have stepped up patrols in the area so you will see extra officers out and about, as well as detectives who will be investigating at the scene.
“We are currently carrying out CCTV work and will be speaking to local residents.
“If anyone has any concerns then please approach one of our officers and they will try and help in any way they can.”
Anyone with any information is urged to call 0161 856 8361, quoting incident number 2002 of 23 April 2017.
No one should be scared to go about their daily business. We have stepped up patrols in the area Det Insp Ben Cottam