Police release CCTV images in Hyde sexual assault investigation

POLICE have intensified their hunt for a man they want to speak to after reports of a serious sexual assault in Hyde by issuing CCTV images.

A woman told the Greater Manchester force she was approached from behind and forced on to a patch of grass as she walked past Grafton Street, just off Clark Way.

She reported she was then the victim of a serious sexual assault.

Now pictures of the man officers want to speak to have been made public.

The police are keen to identify anyone who was in the area at about 6.30am on Friday, July 5 – including the area around Clark Way, Grafton Street, King Street, the footbridge and the nearby bus station and have asked them to get in touch.

In-depth CCTV and witness enquiries remain ongoing to find out what has happened and bring anyone responsible to justice.

Detective Inspector Andrew Day from Greater Manchester Police’s Tameside district, said: “We take reports of sexual offences very seriously and since the report was made to us, we have carried out extensive and thorough enquiries.

“The woman continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

“It is completely unacceptable to target anyone in this manner and we are working tirelessly to find anyone who may recognise the man pictured.

“If you recognise him, or if you were in the area around the time of the incident and saw someone wearing the same clothing, please get in touch.

“We want to speak to anyone who may have seen something – it’s not too late to come forward.

“Similarly, if you live or work near Clark Way, Grafton Street and King Street and have any CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile footage from that morning – please contact us so we can continue to piece together the circumstances of this incident.
“Please contact us as your help could prove to be extremely useful. No matter how big or small it may seem, all information is hugely beneficial.”

If you have any information, please contact the Criminal Investigation Department 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.