Police are hunting a knife thug who stabbed a mum in the street at random as she walked with her young child.
Detectives are investigating the 'vicious and unprovoked attack' which happened in Withington, Manchester, on Saturday afternoon.
Cops have now released images of a man they want to speak to in connection with the shocking incident.
Officers were called to Rudheath Avenue at around 1.30pm following reports of the vicious attack.
A 24-year-old mum was walking with her five-year-old son when she was approached by a man with a knife.
He then suddenly stabbed her before running off towards Whitchurch Road, police said.
Paramedics rushed to the scene and the woman was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries to her leg.
Police said she she remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Her little boy was assessed by medics at the scene and later at hospital but suffered "no visible injuries, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said.
Detectives probing the sickening crime have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Detective Inspector John Robb said: "This was a vicious and unprovoked attack and we are currently treating it as a case of attempted murder.
"I understand that this will cause concern among the local community and residents, but I want to reassure the public that we are doing everything in our powers to trace the man responsible and ensure he is brought to justice.
"I would like to stress to the community that this violent behaviour will not be tolerated and residents shall see an increased police presence in the area whilst officers continue their investigations.
"Please do not hesitate to speak to our officers if you have any concerns or queries.
"If you believe you recognise the man in the image, or if you were near the area at the time and saw something that didn't seem quite right, please get in touch with police as a matter of urgency."
