Serial Sex Attacker: Police Launch Manhunt

Police are investigating after a 20-year-old woman was sexually assaulted as she walked home in south Manchester, in an attack believed to be linked to several others in the area.

The attack occurred about 4am as the woman made her way home on foot along Fairbank Avenue, Moss Side.

The offender - who remains at large - allegedly followed the woman along Moss Lane East and then sexually assaulted her.

Police described the man as an 18-year-old black male, about 5ft 5in tall with a skinny build.

At the time of the attack he was wearing a grey hooded top with red stripes along the arms.

Police believe the incident is linked to a series of sexual assaults reported in the area over recent weeks.

Superintendent Serena Kennedy from Greater Manchester Police told Sky News that other attacks have occurred over the past four evenings.

"These attacks have taken place over the last month, but we have seen offences over the last four evenings," she said.

"There has been a change in the time of the offences though ... They've been occurring around 4am (this weekend), so there's definitely been a change in the offender's behaviour."

In earlier attacks, a 45-year-old woman was assaulted on Great Western Street on July 19 after she was approached by an unknown man.

Police described the man as a black male aged between 19 and 23 years of age, with a medium build.

A 17-year-old girl was also sexually assaulted on July 31, and a 24-year-old woman was attacked on August 1 as she entered a house on Playfair Street.

And two women, both aged 18, were allegedly attacked about 4.50am on August 4.

The offender is described by police as a black male aged in his late teens or early 20s.

Supt Kennedy said police have dedicated "a significant amount of resources" to the on-going investigation.

"All victims are understandably upset and I know this will cause concern in the community and that is why it is vitally important that anyone with information about the offender calls us," she said.

"The offender wears fairly distinctive clothing, this morning he wore a grey hooded top with red stripes along the arm and on another occasion he wore a blue shirt and tie. Hooded jumpers of similar descriptions have also been worn previously.

"These items of clothing as well as the consistent description from victims makes us believe they are linked and more importantly that someone knows who he is.

"I would urge anyone with information about the offender, regardless of how insignificant you think it might be, to contact the police."