A woman was dragged 40metres along a road by a moving van after she was subjected to a verbal and physical road rage attack in Harpurhey.
The woman narrowly escaped ‘life-changing injuries’ in the assault on Church Lane at about 10am on Thursday July 3.
After picking herself up, the woman was treated for her injuries which included a concussion, significant bruising to both arms and shoulders and a number of cuts and scrapes.
Detective Sergeant Chris Flint said: “The facts of this shocking case speak for themselves.
“We are dealing with a very violent attack on an innocent woman in broad daylight by these two men.
“After launching into a verbal tirade against this woman, who had done nothing wrong, these men then dragged her along the road for up to 40metres while the van was moving and then punched her to the floor.
“She sustained a concussion and numerous other injuries and, as perverse as it might sound, was fortunate not to suffer more serious injuries. She could easily have gone under the van itself and left with life-changing injuries so the seriousness of this incident cannot be underestimated.”
The woman, 53, was driving down Church Lane towards Upper Conran Street when her path was blocked by a white van.
The driver of the van then launched a verbal tirade against the woman, swearing at her and telling her to move her car or he would.
In fear of violence, the woman got out of her car, at which point the passenger sat in the van grabbed her by her blouse.
The driver then drove off, with the passenger dragging the woman by her clothing up to 40metres down the road. The passenger then punched the woman causing her to fall to the road.
The van then drove off towards Rochdale Road.
Police have now released two evofits of suspects and are appealing to anyone who either witnessed the shocking assault or who recognises images to come forward.
The driver of the van is described as being white, in his mid-to-late 30s, of an average build with short dark hair and unshaven. He was wearing a white shirt. The passenger was said to be of mixed race, in his mid-to-late 20s and wearing a dark-coloured hooded top.
“We need to find these two men and despite her ordeal, the woman has worked with our forensic imaging specialists to produce two excellent evofits.
“I would therefore urge people to look very careful at the images and if you do recognise these men please call us,” said Detective Sergeant Flint.
“Alternatively, if you witnessed the incident itself then please come forward as you could have vital information.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 3925 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
