A Good Samaritan disrupted an assailant who had pushed a woman to the floor in an alleyway behind Manchester Road, police have revealed.

A woman, 50s, was walking along an alleyway that runs from Aylesbury Street to Corporation Street on May 29 when a man approached and assaulted her at around 4.20am.

Detectives say a member of the public disturbed the attack on the victim and then helped her afterwards.

Det Con Matt Gamble said: “We would like to speak to this man as he may have significant information in relation to this incident – if this was you, please get in touch.

“This incident has understandably caused the victim upset and distress.

"We are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the person responsible and increased patrols are being conducted by local officers.”

Anyone who has information about the incident, or has any relevant information should call 101 and quote crime reference number 54220056588 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.