A manhunt has been launched after a young girl was sexually assaulted by a stranger while walking in Oldham in broad daylight yesterday.

On Saturday (April 29), at around 4.30pm, Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a young girl being sexually assaulted by a man near Lees Valley.

The victim was walking along a public footpath near Turner Street, Lees, when she was approached by an unknown man who assaulted her.

While no arrests have been made, GMP said it is now appealing to the public for help to trace the offender.

Patrols have also been increased in the area.

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Oldham's neighbourhood sergeant, Graham Craven, said: “This is a very concerning attack on a young girl and I would like to assure the local community that a team of detectives are working at pace to locate the offender.

"Whilst specialist officers are supporting the victim, we are continuing to follow up a number of lines of enquiry.

"You will see our officers out and about on foot conducting highly visible patrols over the next couple of days, making enquires and offering reassurance to the community as we move forward with this investigation.

“We also want people in the local area to remain vigilant and to report anything they feel is suspicious to us immediately as we will act on any further information we get.”

Information that may help with the investigation can be reported to GMP by calling 101, quoting log 2413 of April 29.

Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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