The dangerous sex attacker who didn't count on a shirtless hero wearing one shoe

'They heard the victim's cries for help and came outside without any thought for their own safety'

A 'dangerous' sex attacker who targeted a lone woman as she walked home after a night out was chased away by a heroic couple who heard her screams and went to help.

The pair were at home as Dewan Gazi, 44, subjected the woman to a sickening attack outside.

Police said the man and woman 'heard the commotion' and ran out to find Gazi holding her down on the pavement.

He initially claimed to be helping her, but ran away. CCTV footage released by police as Gazi begins a jail sentence shows the man, who appears to be shirtless and wearing just one shoe, sprinting after him down a street.

Greater Manchester Police said the unnamed man and woman have both recieved bravery awards for their efforts.

After initially also giving chase, the woman is understood to have returned to help the victim, before the man also ran back to support her as emergency services were alerted.

Gazi, of Croxdale Walk, Blackley, north Manchester, was found guilty by a jury after trial of two counts of sexual assault and one count of section 47 assault. At Manchester Crown Court, he was jailed by a judge for six years.

Police said the woman had been on a night out with friends in Middleton, Manchester, on Saturday, July 27, last year. Takeaway worker Gazi 'suddenly confronted' her just after midnight on July 28 as she walked home.

He grabbed her arms then sexually assaulted her. Police said the woman shouted out for help then punched him, but he continued his attack and pulled at shorts she was wearing. Gazi then went on to push her into bushes, where she was injured after falling onto a metal barrier. The couple ran outside to intervene at that point.

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In a statement, GMP said: "After intervening and questioning Gazi, who claimed to be providing help, he ran off and the woman was assisted by the couple. The man chased Gazi down the street and away from the area, before returning to help.

"She was taken to hospital with pain and bruising - as well soreness to her fist where she had punched her attacker. Following CCTV checks, Gazi’s vehicle was identified as being in the area around the time of the incident, and was later seized by officers as part of their enquiries."

GMP said it later emerged Gazi had seen the woman in Middleton whilst at work and followed her in his car before attacking her. The force added: "The man and woman who assisted the victim have since received a bravery award from GMP for their actions, and the judge commended their neighbourhood spirit in coming to the victim's aid and chasing away the attacker."

Gazi was also subjected to indefinite sex offender notification requirements.

Detective Constable Russ Clarke, from Rochdale CID, said Gazi 'identified his victim as vulnerable and made the decision to stalk and attack her for his own sexual gratification'. "This was a premeditated attack of somebody making her way home after a social gathering," he said.

"It is clear from his predatory actions that he poses a significant danger to women, as was also recognised by the judge and the probation service. The impact on this victim cannot be overestimated as she continues to come to terms with what happened. She suffered a serious injury to her leg during the attack, which still causes her pain and restricts her movement.

"Gazi has shown no remorse and taken no responsibility for his actions. He provided multiple accounts during his suspect interview in an attempt to explain the evidence that was put before him. He even provided the jury with a brand new account during the trial, in the belief that he could deceive them. They saw through his lies."

The detective also praised the victim's 'incredible strength and bravery'. She had to relive the attack at his hands during the trial, he added.

"Gazi's attack was halted by local residents coming to the victim's aid and chasing him away from the scene," added Det Con Clarke. "I would like to personally thank both residents for their brave actions. They heard the victim's cries for help and came outside without any thought for their own safety."