POLICE have released a description of a suspect they are hunting after a man assaulted a 13-year-old girl in an alleyway.

The Journal reported after the attack, which happened in Astley on the evening of Saturday, November 28.

The girl was walking along a ginnel linking Helston Way and Stour Road when she was assaulted by a man walking a dog at around 6.30pm.

Officers have since released a description of the man and are appealing for anyone with CCTV footage to come forward.

A Greater Manchester Police statement said: "The suspect is described as a white male, aged approximately 40 years, average build, bald or short hair.

"He was wearing an orange coloured hooded top and was walking a small black dog.We have since increased patrols in the area and will continue to do so to provide reassurance and deter any further offences.

"We are aware that CCTV of the incident has been widely circulated on social media.

"If anyone does recognise the male please contact 101 quoting crime reference number CRI/06LL/0028119/20.

"Alternatively any information can also be reported online via the GMP website.

"If you wish to provide any information anonymously please contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111."

Police also asked people to please refrain from naming anyone on social media as this may compromise formal identification procedures and undermine any prosecution case.

The statement added: "In addition, we would like to encourage anyone else with CCTV in the area to check around the time of the incident to see if they have any footage of this male. Particularly around Stour Road, Abbey Road, Lichfield Avenue, Winchester Avenue, Tintern Avenue and Clyde Road.

"As the dark nights continue to draw in please remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

"Street crime is often opportunistic, so making yourself less of a target, moving with purpose and being aware of your surroundings will go a long way to keeping you safe."