Third victim of park sex attacker

Police have released an e-fit of the man they think is responsible

A sex attacker who has targeted female dog walkers in a park in Greater Manchester is thought to have struck for the third time in a month.

Police have stepped up patrols following the incidents in Bramhall Park and have issued an e-fit.

In the latest attack, a 58-year-old woman was in the park walking her dog when she was grabbed from behind and sexually assaulted.

The man's previous victims were 61 and 74-year-old dog walkers.

In the first attack the 61-year-old woman was pushed to the ground and sexually assaulted on the morning of 4 June.

Last Friday, a 74-year-old was sexually assaulted by a man near Bramhall Park tennis club.

Man eliminated

Ch Insp Julian Snowball, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "We do not want to discourage people from walking their dogs in Bramhall Park, but we really them to aware of our simple safety tips.

"The description for the attacker in all cases is very similar and we believe they may be linked. He is clearly targeting vulnerable woman out walking their dogs.

"Clearly, there is going to be concern from women who use this area to walk their dogs and we fully understand their apprehension."

Women should consider walking with a friend and keep to well-used areas, Ch Insp Snowball said.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in connection with the first attack, but has been "completely eliminated as a suspect", Greater Manchester Police said.