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Police hunt man who pretended to be taxi driver and dragged woman into bushes in attempted sex attack

The attempted sex attack happened at Platt Fields Park on Wilmslow Road, Manchester, police said. (Google Maps)
The attempted sex attack happened at Platt Fields Park on Wilmslow Road, Manchester, police said. (Google Maps)

Police are hunting for a man who pretended to be a taxi driver before following a woman and allegedly dragging her into some bushes in an attempted sex attack.

Greater Manchester Police said officers were called to reports of the attempted sexual assault just before 11.15pm on Saturday night (21 May).

The woman was reportedly approached by a man pretending to be a taxi driver before he then pulled her into some bushes in Platt Fields Park, Wilmslow Road, Manchester.

She managed to raise the alarm with passers-by, telling them the man had tried to assault her, but he fled the scene.

Greater Manchester Police said enquiries are ongoing to trace the perpetrator.

Shot of the back of a police officer's jacket with the word police written across the back
Police said enquiries are underway to track down the man. (Stock image: Getty)

Police said officers are keen to speak to an Asian male, in his 30s, with short, dark cropped hair and short, dark full beard wearing a black coat.

The incident happened on the same weekend that a music festival, the Flashback Festival, was held in Platt Fields Park.

Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Norman, from Greater Manchester Police's City of Manchester division, said: "We’re aware this will no doubt raise concerns in the community and those who attended the music event nearby but I would like to reassure them that we have a number officers carrying out an investigation and there are increased patrols in the area.

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"This was a horrific attack on a woman who thankfully managed to raise the alarm but has been left extremely shook up and is receiving the support she needs.

"No woman should have such an incident happen to them and all women should feel safe which is why violence against women and girls is one of GMP’s top priorities.

"A team of detectives are currently pursuing all immediate lines of enquiry and we’re now appealing to the public to come forward with any information that may assist us. We want to bring the man responsible to justice and we can do this by hearing from anyone who may have information."