A man tried to rape a young woman in a subway in Prestwich in the early hours of Sunday evening.

The 20-year-old woman was walking under the subway in Bury New Road, which runs under junction 17 of the M60 in Prestwich, shortly after 6pm on Sunday, November 3, when a man grabbed her, assaulted her and then sexually assaulted her, police said.

The attacker was disturbed by a passerby and ran off in the direction of the footbridge over the motorway. The man also stole the woman’s large black leather handbag.

Det Insp Damian Simpson from the police's serious sexual offences unit, said: “This is quite a shocking attack on a young woman that took place early on Sunday evening and I am only thankful her ordeal did not go on any longer as her attacker was disturbed.

“The young victim is traumatised by what has happened to her and we are giving her as much support as we can at this difficult time.

“I know news of this attack will cause great concern in the community, particularly due to the time and location it took place, but I would like to try and offer some reassurance that incidents such as this are extremely rare in the Bury area.

“We have a team of detectives dedicated to this investigation to find the man responsible and we also have extra neighbourhood officers patrolling the area.

“If anyone saw, heard or knows anything they think may assist police enquiries in this case, please get in touch as we are keen to hear from you.”

The man was white with facial stubble. He was wearing a beanie hat with stripes around the base and a black shiny bomber jacket. He was between 30 to 40 years old and slim.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0161 8561812, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.