Police are investigating after an assault on a woman in her 30’s on Palatine Road in Withington last Thursday evening.
The incident happened around around 4.45pm as she was stood at a bus stop outside of St Cuthbert’s Church on Palatine Road and a man approached her from behind.
He grabbed her by placing his left arm around her neck to the point where she found it difficult to breathe.The woman felt an unknown object being pressed into the right side of her lower back, which caused a large scratch.
The man spoke with a Manchester accent and told her ‘You’re coming with me’.
He then dragged her backwards towards St Cuthbert’s Church garden, located directly behind the bus stop.A passing motorist noticed the incident unfolding and intervened by sounding the horn on their car in an effort to disturb the man.He released his grip and made off in the direction of Withington Village.
The offender is described as black, approximately 5ft 8ins tall, aged around 40, of slim build and was wearing all black clothing and carrying a black rucksack.
Inspector Shoheb Chowdhury of GMP’s City of Manchester Division said: “This woman was subjected to a terrifying ordeal and our thoughts are with her as she recovers from the physical and psychological impact of this attack.
“We are grateful to the passing motorist whose actions have prevented the woman coming to greater harm.
“This is a disturbing incident and we’re aware that it will cause concern in the community.
“It’s vital that anyone who witnessed this attack or has any information should call police immediately.
“This occurred in broad daylight on a busy main road so we’re confident that people can assist us.
“I’d specifically appeal for dashcam footage from anyone who was in the vicinity around the time of this incident. There is a good chance that your footage may have captured an image of this man and be crucial to us identifying and prosecuting him.
“We would also appeal to the driver who beeped their horn and the member of the public who helped the woman after the attack to contact us.
“If you can help our investigation, please get in touch immediately.”
