Police appeal after cyclist attacks dog walker for not using lead

Police have launched a public appeal for information after a woman was attacked by a man riding a bicycle for walking her dog without a lead.

The 35-year-old woman was walking along Jackson’s Bridge in Chorlton, a foot and cycling bridge over the River Mersey, when the man cycled past her. He challenged her about the dog being off its lead, before an argument ensued. He grabbed her by her hair, threw her against metal railings on the bridge and down a flight of concrete steps.

The woman, who was badly shaken but not seriously hurt, ran away before returning to photograph the man. The incident took place at around 5pm on Thursday 17 September, but the decision was recently made by Greater Manchester Police to launch an appeal.

Investigating officer, PC Damian Lea, said: “We have released an image of a man we would like to speak to and would ask anyone who recognises him to call us. I would also appeal to the person directly to contact police so we can rule you out of our enquiries.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.