THIS is the face of a man police are hunting in connection with a sex attack.

Detectives have issued the E-fit after a 50-year-old woman was assaulted by a man in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The victim was approached as she walked along King Street in Farnworth between 1.30am and 2.25am.

The man went up to her near the market and offered to take her to get a taxi.

He then led her to the back of the Britannia Inn pub where he sexually assaulted her.

Detective Constable Helen Taylor, of Bolton CID, said: “This was a horrible experience for this woman and we’re doing everything we can to find the man who is responsible for this sexual assault.

“I’d urge people to look at that E-fit and if you know who this man is, please call us.

“Cast your mind back to the early hours of Saturday, maybe you were out and you saw this man before or after the attack, again I’d ask you to call us as the smallest piece of information could help us find him.”

The offender is described as white, aged 30 to 35-years-old, of average build with short mousey brown hair.

He was clean-shaven and was wearing a pale coloured shirt.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5740 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police have urged women to take steps to protect their safety. Tips include keeping to well-lit areas, avoiding isolated pathways and trying not to walk anywhere alone.

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or rape can contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 872 5050 or 999 in an emergency.

St Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515.