Police are hunting for a “young” offender on a mountain bike who is thought to be behind a series of sexual assaults on the Bridgewater Canal path.
Officers believe the same offender has carried out seven separate assaults between Tuesday March 2nd and today, Sunday March 7th.
In each incident, the offender has approached victims from behind on a mountain bike, before touching them inappropriately while riding past.
The latest assault took place at 10.42 this morning on the canal path in Timperley, with three earlier assaults on the canal path in Sale – at 6pm on March 2nd, 9.20am on March 3rd and 9.20am on March 6th.
Further assaults took place on March 6th on Bridgewater Way in Old Trafford, Little Ees Lane in Sale and an unknown location close to the River Mersey.
Earlier this week we detailed the experience of one Timperley blogger whose running partner had suffered an assault of this nature.
Police, who said that no injuries have been reported, described the offender as around 5ft tall, of slim build and young in appearance.
He has most often been described as wearing dark clothing.
No further description is currently available.
Sergeant Helen Bagnall of GMP’s Trafford District said: “Due to the similarity and pattern of this offending, we believe the same person is responsible.
“If you have seen anyone who matches the description, seen anyone acting suspiciously in the areas concerned, or have any information that can assist our investigations, please get in touch.
“While thankfully no-one has been injured during these incidents, they have left the women involved understandably distressed.”
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7544 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
