POLICE are appealing for information about an incident in which a woman was sexually assaulted by a hooded man carrying a takeaway box.

The man struck at around 10.50pm on Saturday, January 30, as the 20-year-old woman was walking along Nel Pan Lane, Leigh.

As she crossed at the junction with Barrie Street, the man walked up behind her and sexually assaulted her. The woman screamed and the man fled the scene. PC Martin Burkinshaw said: “This was extremely traumatic for the victim and I want to make sure this man cannot do something like this to anyone else.

“Even though incidents like this are rare in the area, I would ask women to take care when they are out and about on their own. Stick to well-lit areas and if you feel as if you are being followed, get to a place of safety and tell someone.”

The attacker was of medium build, around 5ft 6ins, wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up, dark trousers and holding what appeared to be a food box from a takeaway.

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 7224 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.