Police are asking neighbours for CCTV footage after a 13-year-old girl was randomly attacked by a man believed to be in his 40s.
The teenager was walking along Stour Road in Astley, Wigan, early on Saturday evening (November 28) when the incident took place.
She was allegedly approached by the man, who let his dog pull towards her, despite her walking into the road to avoid them.
As she carried on past and turned to go up an alleyway leading to Helston Way, he is believed to have turned around and ran after her, pulling her by her hair and punching her in the face.
The girl, who is a black belt in jiu jitsu, managed to fight him off.
A video of the incident has been widely shared on social media after the girl's dad, who wishes to remain anonymous, managed to track down CCTV footage.
Police are now looking for more CCTV footage from neighbouring streets.
A spokesman for GMP Leigh, Atherton and Hindley said: "On Saturday November 28 Greater Manchester Police received a report that a girl aged 13 was walking along a ginnel linking Helston Way and Stour Road, Astley when she was assaulted by a man walking a dog. The assault occurred at approximately 6.30pm.
"The suspect is described as a white male, aged approximately 40 years, average build, bald or short hair. He was wearing an orange coloured hooded top and was walking a small black dog.
"We have since increased patrols in the area and will continue to do so to provide reassurance and deter any further offences. We are aware that CCTV of the incident has been widely circulated on social media.
"Please refrain from naming anyone on social media as this may compromise formal identification procedures and undermine any prosecution case.
"In addition, we would like to encourage anyone else with CCTV in the area to check around the time of the incident to see if they have any footage of this male. Particularly around Stour Road, Abbey Road, Lichfield Avenue, Winchester Avenue, Tintern Avenue & Clyde Road.
"As the dark nights continue to draw in please remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
"Street crime is often opportunistic, so making yourself less of a target, moving with purpose and being aware of your surroundings will go a long way to keeping you safe."
If anyone recognises the man, contact 101 quoting crime reference number CRI/06LL/0028119/20.
Alternatively any information can also be reported online via the GMP website.
