Shocking CCTV footage has been released capturing the terrifying moment a man preyed on a lone woman and attempted to kidnap her at knifepoint. The woman was walking home along Fern Street, Bolton, between 10.55pm and 11.05pm on Thursday (18 August), when the man followed her.

Detectives from Greater Manchester Police have released CCTV of the chilling moments leading up to the attempted kidnapping. The CCTV footage initially shows the suspect pushing a bike as he follows her, but he is later seen at a junction having abandoned the bike.

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He pursues the woman for several minutes down a dark street in Greater Manchester, running to catch up to her before attacking her. He reportedly held a knife to her face and attempted to drag her into an alley.

Fortunately the victim was able to fight off her attacker and struggled free. She called the police as the man fled the scene.

He was later seen on CCTV walking back from the scene of the incident. The man was wearing a baseball cap, a grey short sleeved polo shirt, dark pants and white trainers.

Officers believe the attacker may have followed another woman that same night Mail Online reports.

Specialist officers are providing support to the woman as police appeal for witnesses to come forward. Investigators would like to speak to a man who was talking to people in a vehicle parked on Deane Road facing Bolton Town Centre and a man who was standing outside the Gilnow Arms around 10.30pm.

Man seen on CCTV following woman beforeattack
The suspect was caught on CCTV footage following the woman for several minutes Manchester Police

According to ITV News DC Pam Chandler, Greater Manchester Police, Bolton division said: "This was a terrifying experience for the woman and it is fortunate that she was not seriously injured. We are keen to speak to the man who was in the area at the time and another woman who we believe may have also been followed.

"We would urge anyone, who recognises the man in the footage or may have information that can help our investigation to come forward."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or 0161 856 5619 quoting incident number 2730 of 18/08/16 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.