Armed man assaults dog walker along Rochdale Canal
The woman, in her 50s, was approached near Bluepits Mill on Monday evening.
The police helicopter was called out last night after a woman was approached by a man armed with a knife along the Rochdale Canal.
The woman, in her 50s, was walking her dog by Bluepits Mill at around 6.20pm when she was assaulted.
The man suffered a stab wound as the victim struggled to get away.
He was initially detained by a group of men that were walking nearby but he managed to flee towards the Blue Pits Pub.
The man has been described as white, aged in his 20s, of medium build and height with blond hair. He was wearing a grey hoody with dark tracksuit bottoms.
The woman suffered minor injuries and is being supported by specially trained officers.
Detective Sergeant Charles Stewart, of GMP’s Rochdale district, said: “We are working to trace the man who will no doubt require medical attention and we want to ensure that he receives appropriate treatment.
“I would urge him or anyone who knows anything about the man’s whereabouts to get in touch as soon as possible.
“We have specialist officers supporting the woman who has been left incredibly shaken by this incident and I would ask any witnesses or anyone with any information to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 8568437 or 101 quoting incident number 2372 of 06/01/2020, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111