Police seek man over 'violent and motiveless' attacks

Police have released CCTV footage of a man they would like to speak to in connection with 'violent and motiveless' attacks on two women in Oldham last month.

The women were attacked on Longfield Crescent and Stoneleigh Street in Derker on two separate dates in November. 

A 61-year-old woman was stabbed on Longfield Crescent at around 6.30pm on Friday, November 1. 

She is now recovering at home after being taken to hospital with serious injuries. 

Police believe it may be linked to another incident, which took place on Wednesday, November 20. 

On this occasion, a 71-year-old woman was attacked by a man with a knife in an alleyway off Stoneleigh Street. The woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries but has since been discharged.

Police are continuing to investigate and want to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV footage above. 

Detective Inspector Benjamin Cottam, of the GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Thankfully both women survived these violent and motiveless attacks but police are still working tirelessly to find whoever is responsible for these assaults.

“Do you recognise the man in the attached videos? We are appealing for members of the public to come forward and assist us in identifying this man so that we can speak with him in connection with the incidents. If you have seen this man please contact police as soon as possible with any details you have about him.

“If you have any information about this incident that can assist us, please get in touch as soon as possible via the Police Public Portal https://mipp.police.uk.”

Alternatively, you can contact police on 0161 856 9080, quoting incident number 2062 of 20/10/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.