A WOMAN was attacked in a toilet cubicle at Crompton Place shopping centre.

She was confronted by a man who grabbed her by the neck inside the cubicle last Thursday at about 3.30pm.

The 25-year-old victim escaped physically unharmed but was left “mystified and very upset” by the attack.

The man escaped when she slapped his hands away and shouted for help.

A CCTV still image has been released of the suspected attacker and police are urging anyone with information to contact them.

The man was white, about 20 to 30 years old, with a spotty and ashen complexion, crooked teeth, greyish brown or blue eyes and a round face.

He is said to be 5ft 6in tall, average build and wearing a dark grey hooded top.

Insp Nicki Tompsett, from Bolton police, said: "This young woman received a terrible shock to be confronted by this man in a toilet.

"He then launched into a totally unprovoked attack which left this woman both mystified and very upset.

"It is not clear what prompted this man to do what he did but clearly we need to identify and arrest him so that no-one else can fall victim to his violent tendencies.”

Anyone who recognises the man or think they saw him at Crompton Place at the time of the attack should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.