Two women attacked in separate incidents

Two women were attacked within the space of about half an hour in Rochdale.

At about 7pm last night, Monday 10 February 2014, a 46-year-old woman was walking to her car on the car park at Rochdale Infirmary having just finished work when she was approached from behind.

Her attacker hit her about the head four times. It is not known if a weapon was used but the victim said the force of the blows was such that she believed he may have been armed with a blunt implement.

The offender is described as being in his late 20s or early 30s, 5ft 9in tall, of slim build. He spoke with a local accent. It is believed he was with another person or persons.

A short time later, at sometime between 7.20pm and 7.45pm, a 20-year-old woman was walking along Whitworth Road in Falinge when she was approached by two men.

One offender punched her in the face while the other snatched her phone from her hand.

The pair ran down a side street off Whitworth Road with her iPhone 4S.

One is described as white, 5ft 4in tall, in his late teens and of stocky build. He was wearing a white baseball cap and hooded jumper.

The other was described as white, taller and slimmer than his accomplice and in his late teens.

Detective Sergeant Louise Ashurst, said: “Two women have been assaulted in unprovoked assaults.

“We are keeping an entirely open mind about both incidents but are exploring the possibility – given the nature of what happened to both women and the proximity in terms of time and location – that they are linked.

“These were wholly unacceptable attacks on lone women and the use of violence was unnecessary and excessive.

“If anyone has information about either incident or those responsible for these gutless attacks I would urge them to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9961, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.