Police are appealing for information after two sexual assaults in Newall Green, Wythenshawe.

There have been two reported incidents this week where a man has smacked a woman’s bottom in the Newall Green area.

On Monday 7 October 2013, at around 6.10pm, a 40-year-old woman was walking her dog from Greenbrow Road in the direction of Amberley Drive when a man approached her. He smacked her on the bottom before running away.

The man is described as white, in his late teens or early 20s, with mousey coloured hair. He was wearing grey jogging bottoms, a grey or blue hoodie and black trainers.

On Wednesday 9 October 2013, shortly before 6pm, a 25-year-old woman was walking on a footbridge over the M56 from Shawbury Road to Greatfield Road when a man walking towards her stopped to tie his shoe lace.

As the woman walked past him, he smacked her bottom. The woman kept on walking and the man turned to grab her. She screamed and he ran away in the direction of Greatfield Road.

The man is described as white, early 20s, stocky and around 5ft 6in tall. He has pale skin, ginger or brown hair and was wearing a grey hoodie and white trainers.

Police are appealing for witnesses and information.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Duggan said: “We have had two reported incidents this week at around the same time of day where a man of a similar description has sexually assaulted two women.

“These incidents have been extremely harrowing for both of the victims and I would ask if you have any information about either incident this week or remember seeing a man matching this description around the area we would urge you to get in touch with police.

“We are looking at the possibility that the same man may be responsible for other incidents in the area earlier in the year. If anyone has been the victim of a similar offence, and hasn’t yet reported it, please call police.

“We would urge people to remain vigilant and always tell someone where you are going and what time you are expected there.

“There are extra officers out and about and if anyone has information please come and speak to one of our neighbourhood officers or call us in absolute confidence.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 4882 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.