A 73-year-old woman was followed home by a man and sexually assaulted in Openshaw.

At about 5pm on Thursday 4 June 2009, the victim was walking along the canal towpath just off Ashton Old Road when a man walked up to her.

He started talking to her and walked along with her.

The man followed her all the way home and once there, sexually assaulted her.

The attacker is described as an Asian man, middle aged, of slim build, with short dark hair that was neatly brushed.

Detective Inspector Trish Owen, from Grey Mare Lane CID, said: "The victim was put through a terrible ordeal and this man must be caught.

"While incidents like this are rare, we ask people to be vigilant and walk in groups where possible.

"The man befriended the victim at a busy time of day so it is likely that people passed or saw them as they walked, if you did please contact me."

Anyone with information is asked to call Grey Mare Lance CID on 0161 856 3240 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.