Man, 23, arrested after attacks on two women

A 23-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after two women were assaulted in what police described as 'violent and motiveless attacks' in Oldham last month.

The women were attacked on Longfield Crescent and Stoneleigh Street in Derker on two separate dates in November. 

A 61-year-old woman was stabbed on Longfield Crescent at around 6.30pm on Friday, November 1. 

She is continuing her recovery at home, after being taken to hospital with serious injuries. 

Police believe it may be linked to another incident, which took place on Wednesday, November 20. 

A 71-year-old woman was attacked by a man with a knife in an alleyway off Stoneleigh Street. The woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries but was later discharged.

Less than 48 hours after police released CCTV footage of a man they were keen to identify, a 23-year-old man has now been arrested and he remains in custody. 

But police insist enquiries remain ongoing.

Detective Inspector Ben Cottam, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “While we have arrested a man in connection with this incident, our investigation remains ongoing and we’d encourage anyone with information to contact police.”

Anyone who can help police is asked to call 0161 856 9080, quoting incident number 2062 of 20/10/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.