Officers have released an e-fit of a man following reports that a woman was attacked in Bredbury.

Officers would like to speak with the man in connection with the incident.

The attack is believed to have taken place on Thursday 17 April, around 00.45am, along a dirt path between Shakespeare Road and Newstead Grove.

A woman had been walking along Vernon Road, before continuing down The Broadway and then onto the dirt track.

While on that path, the woman heard footsteps behind her, with a man following her for a few seconds before grabbing her waist and hair, and attempting to drag her to the side.

The man put his hand around the woman's neck and hit her several times. He let go and the woman was able to run away to the Dark Lane area, and then she returned home.

The woman has described the suspect as having black floppy hair that fell onto his forehead, bushy eyebrows, and a pointed nose, He had a full beard which was short and well-kept, and a dark-hooded top that that had small writing on the left hand breast-side.

Detective Constable Paul Hewitt from Greater Manchester Police said: "This random, unprovoked attack was terrifying for the woman involved, and could have easily been much worse. We are continuing to patrol the area for reassurance and I would urge anyone with any queries to speak to a police officer.

"We have undertaken multiple enquiries since this incident occurred and we are now able to release an e-fit image of a man we would like to speak to, created in conjunction with the woman involved in the incident.

"If you recognise this man, or have any other information to share, please contact Stockport CID directly on 0161 856 9629, call 101, or visit gmp.police.uk. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

The crime reference number to state for this incident is CRI/06JJ/0007368/25.