The ‘tireless’ manhunt following an attack on a 90-year-old Rochdale woman has identified a man that police believe could hold ‘valuable’ information for their investigation.
The elderly victim was walking down Spotland Road at around 6.45am when she was dragged from the street and subjected to a terrifying attack, from which she lost consciousness.
While it was initially thought she was raped, police have since said there is no forensic evidence to confirm whether this occurred.
A witness has now described to police a man who was seen in the area at the time of the attack.
Police are calling for him to come forward as he could know vital information in the investigation.
Superintendent Alistair Mallen based at Rochdale, said: “We have been working tirelessly since this incident happened and we have now spoken to a number of people in shops and businesses at the time.
“We have spoken to a witness who has described seeing this man in the area – on Spotland Road near to the junction with Sheriff Street – round about the time of the incident.
“We believe this man could hold vital information that could help us piece together exactly what happened on Tuesday morning so it is really important that he gets in touch.
“At this stage we cannot say what this man may have seen, or even whether he was in some way involved. Either way, he could be a key witness to this investigation.”
The man is described as white, medium height and build, with short collar-length brown/black hair straight in style.
He was wearing a dark denim jacket and light denim jeans, black footwear and he was clean shaven.
The victim described how a she felt a hand go over her mouth and was dragged backwards off Spotland Street on Tuesday morning.
She lost consciousness before later waking on the floor and realising she had been attacked. She walked to her butchers and raised the alarm.
Specially-trained officers are still working with the victim during this difficult time.
Superintendent Mallen said: “We would also like to hear from anyone who was in the area who we haven’t yet spoken to.
“We have had an overwhelming response from the public and the media since we publicised this case and that support continues.
“However, we are continuing to investigate the full circumstances of what happened to her. Something has clearly happened to this lady so we would like to hear from anyone who saw anything.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police in Rochdale on 0161 856 8470/8420 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
