Greater Manchester Police have issued an urgent appeal after a member of the public reported seeing a young woman forced into the back of a small silver car by a man on Taunton Road – close to the Dog and Partridge pub in Ashton under Lyne.
Police believe the pair may have had an argument in the moments prior to the incident, before the car drove off towards the direction of Oldham.
Detectives from Ashton CID are working to establish the circumstances but are keen to stress that their priority is to ensure the welfare of the woman and the man involved.
Trawls of nearby CCTV footage have been ongoing throughout the day, and this extensive work will continue.
Police are hopeful that someone may be able to recognise the two people involved – or recall if they witnessed anything in the area last night – to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Police are also keen to hear from anyone who may have been driving in the Carlton Road and Oldham Road areas in the vicinity of the Dog and Partridge pub as any possible sightings – or dashcam footage – involving the car could be crucial.
Detective Superintendent Richard Hunt, of our Tameside district, said: “Our absolute priority here is the welfare of the young woman and man involved in this incident after we received a concerning call from a member of the public about what they had seen.
“We’re moving as quickly as we can to establish who the pair are and where they could be now to ensure they are safe and well – if you think this is you then please get in touch to let us know you’re okay.
“We know the images we’ve been able to release so far are not of ideal quality, but we do hope that there will be someone who may recognise them – either personally or who may have witnessed them last night – and is able to get in touch with us to help progress our fast-moving enquiries.
“Extensive trawls are continuing and as soon as more information or images arise that can aid our appeal further, then we’ll make sure to ask the public further for their valued help.”
