A CCTV image has been released of a man being hunted after excrement was wiped on two women in a Ramsbottom pub.

Police say the ‘disgusting’ attacks happened at The Oaks, in Bridge Street, and officers are investigating whether the same man is responisble for both incidents.

One victim, a 46-year-old woman was drinking in the town centre pub when a man walked up to her, from the direction of the gents toilets, and appeared to wipe something on her arm.

Only when he walked away did she realise she had been smeared with excrement, according to police.

The incident took place around 11.30pm on October 12. Another attack took place on Thursday, October 25, also in The Oaks, when a man again left the gents and walked up to a 52-year-old woman.

Police say she again felt her clothing being touched and looked down to see what appeared to be excrement on her sleeve.

Now a description of the man, said to white, aged 45 to 50, has been released. He was also of medium build and around 5ft 8in to 6ft tall.

He had short, cropped hair, greying at the sides, and he wore a dark jacket, check shirt with a grey t-shirt underneath.

Pc Rachael Allen, who is investigating the attacks, said: “This is a disgusting act that has left two women deeply shocked by what has happened.

“This was a completely unprovoked assault by a man the victims did not know and we believe the same person is responsible for both incidents.

“The image captured on CCTV is very clear and I believe that someone will recognise the man. If you do, I urge you to contact police. Alternatively, if you were at the pub at the time of both incidents and saw something suspicious, please call us.”

Potential witnesses are asked to call police on 0161 856 8122 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.