TWO women were stabbed in two incidents in Oldham in the past seven days.

One 71-year-old woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries after she was stabbed by a man in Stoneleigh Street, Derker, at around 6pm.

Police also believe this incident to be linked to another attack at 6:30pm on Friday, November 1, when police were called to Longfield Crescent to reports that a woman had been stabbed.

Officers attended and the woman – aged 61 – was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

She has now been released from hospital and her injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

From yesterday's attack, the offender was described as a white man, around 5ft 7inches, aged over 18, dressed in all black clothing and wearing a black hip length jacket that had a hood covering his chin.

Detective Chief Inspector James Faulkner said: "These were violent and motiveless attacks that has left two vulnerable women fearing for their safety.

“These are clearly two very serious incidents and I am particularly keen to speak to anyone that was on or around Stoneleigh Street and Longfield Crescent at the time of the attacks and may have heard or seen anything unusual or suspicious.

“I would also like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to protect residents and find those responsible.

"I have a dedicated team of detectives investigating them and you will see extra patrols in these areas over the coming days and weeks.

"Please stay vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police.”

Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 9080, quoting incident number 2062 of 20/10/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.