Police have released CCTV images of two men they would like to speak to in connection with an assault against an off-duty police officer last weekend.

Witnesses called the emergency services shortly after 7.30pm on October 16 after a GMP officer was assaulted outside the Morrisons store on Stanley Road in Whitefield.

The police officer was not in uniform when the assault took place.

At approximately 7.25pm, the off-duty officer was standing outside of the supermarket when he heard a disturbance within the shop.

Two men later fled the shop and were spotted by the shop's security officer, following a theft.

The off-duty officer then chased the men and identified himself as a police officer.

He located the two men and arrested one male on suspicion of theft.

However, the officer was struck on the head with a weapon, before being punched several times.

The men are then believed to have fled towards Elms Road in Whitefield.

The victim was taken to hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4409 or 101 quoting incident 2794 of 16/10/21.