Masked man ‘randomly stabs elderly woman in her neck’ as she gardens outside home before fleeing – sparking major hunt
A MASKED man is said to have randomly stabbed an elderly woman in her neck while she was gardening outside her home before fleeing.
Officers raced to the scene in Middleton, Manchester, after reports of an assault at 11.20am on Thursday morning.
The woman, aged in her 70s, did not receive serious injuries from the incident, but has been left quite shaken following the attack, said cops.
The attacker was understood to have been in possession of a knife, said cops.
Police said the masked suspect launched the "unprovoked" attack on the woman.
The victim was attacked from behind and stabbed in the bottom of her neck as she was gardening at her home, the M.E.N. understands.
Neighbours had to intervene before the suspect fled the scene.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the search for the attacker remains ongoing today and urged witnesses to come forward.
The force has also released CCTV footage showing a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.
Police said they believe he could have information which is relevant to our investigation.
Most read in The Sun
Witnesses reported seeing armed police in attendance at the scene, with a police helicopter above the area on Thursday.
Several parents also stated that the nearby Alkrington Primary School went into lockdown following the incident.
Local councillor Dylan Williams has issued a new statement on the incident, saying that "residents are frightened and scared" following the incident, with police still working to hunt the suspect.
"This is absolutely disgusting and sickening," he said. "I know a lot of residents are frightened and scared about this all over Alkrington, in both south and east wards.
"Let's hope the police can catch him soon, hopefully with the help of members of the public giving vital information to help their search.
"Keep safe everyone. Also I really hope the poor lady is okay."
A force spokesperson said: "Since the report came in, we’ve been carrying out extensive enquiries in the area, speaking with residents and several witnesses.
"Officers continue to trawl through hundreds of hours of CCTV and extra resources have been dedicated to this to ensure we can build a detailed timeline of events which led to this incident, and the suspects movements thereafter.
"We continue to work closely with the victim to support her at what is a distressing time.
"Police have now released a video of a man they would like to speak to as they believe he may be able to assist with enquiries. If you recognise anything about this man, please get in touch with us."
Detective Inspector Kimberley Hines, from GMP's Rochdale district, added: "We do believe this to be an unprovoked attack which has left a woman incredibly shaken.
"We know that hearing about this incident will be concerning for our communities, but I want to assure you that extensive work is underway to locate the suspect, and we have additional patrols in the area to speak to residents and offer support.
"We have a team of detectives and police officers working around the clock to identify who is responsible for this attack, and we are appealing to the public who may be able to assist us.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"We have released footage of a man we would like to speak to, as we believe he could have information which is relevant to our investigation.
"Whilst you cannot see his face in the video, we ask if anyone recognises the clothing or perhaps his build, and can help us identify him – please come forward."
