DETECTIVES investigating a string of sex assaults in the Rochdale area believe the attacker has struck for a tenth time.

A 36-year-old woman waiting at a bus stop on Halifax Road at 3pm on Thursday, June 3, has revealed she was approached by a man who forced her to the ground and indecently assaulted her. The woman struggled and the man ran away.

Detectives are linking this attack to the nine indecent assaults that have recently been reported involving girls as young as 11 years old.

The attacks date back to as far ago as February but most have occurred since the start of June.

In the most recent incident, on Sunday night, a 23-year-old woman was approached as she walked down an alley off Daveyhulme Road in Hamer at around 10.15pm.

A man grabbed her from behind, ripping her T-shirt open before indecently assaulting her.

She struggled and managed to break free before the man fled.

Police have released a description of the man and an e-fit picture. Officers have also issued a warning to young girls and women not to walk alone at night.

Earlier this month detectives said they believed the man was white, aged about 19, five feet eight inches tall and slim with short brown hair.

They said he had a spotty pock-marked complexion and possibly a ring or bar piercing in his right eyebrow.

Det Insp Martin Jeffs of Rochdale CID said: "We are linking this attack to a number of similar indecent assaults which have taken place in the Rochdale area over the past few weeks.

"I would once again reiterate my advice to young girls and women in the area to remain vigilant, stay in groups wherever possible and to avoid dark and secluded areas."

Anyone who can help identify the man is asked to contact Rochdale CID on 0161 856 8543 or Crimestoppers anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111.