Police are appealing for information after a 25-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in Rochdale.
The incident occurred at about 2.25pm on June 5, when the victim was walking along Oldham Road toward The Landing while listening to music on her headphones.
She noticed a man walking on the same side of the road, but having initially paid no attention to him, he then sexually assaulted her without warning.
When she confronted the offender, he simply stared and then smiled before jogging away towards the junction of Oldham Road and Wood Street, before the victim lost sight of him.
Police Constable Anthony Taylor said: “This young woman was simply minding her own business, walking along the road and listening to music when she was sexually assaulted by the offender.
“From his reaction, it appears as if the offender thought this was some sort of joke but I can assure everyone, especially the victim, that we take all such reports very seriously and we will be doing everything we can to identify who this man is.
GMP have issued two CCTV stills of the offender, who is described as being white, in his late 20s, of a slim build and with a shaved head but with light-coloured hair growing back.
He was said to have a distinctive round face and wearing a red T-shirt, dark blue adidas tracksuit bottoms with three stripes down each side and trainers.
He was also said to be carrying a rucksack on his back that had a light lime green patch in the shape of a semi-circle on both the top and bottom with a darker pattern inbetween.
“I would appeal to anyone who either witnessed the incident itself, or who suspects they know who the offender is from the very good description we have issued, to come forward,” Constable Taylor added.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
