Two streets half a mile apart have been rocked by bloodshed after a night of violence. Residents witnessed 'running', heard 'arguing' and saw two young males left injured after two 'horrific attacks'.
The two 'wounding with intent' assaults both took place in Hulme within minutes of each other after 7pm last night (May 17), with both victims believed to have suffered stab or slash wounds. A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries after an attack reported on Avenham Close.
Moments later, a 15-year-old boy was rushed to hospital after being attacked on Salutation Street. Officers believe the two incidents were linked and a 14-year-old boy was arrested in connection with both attacks.
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He remains in custody this evening (Thursday), while a Section 60 order for enhanced stop and search powers has been extended to 8.50am on Friday. Multiple police cordons were still in place across Hulme this afternoon.
An Avenham Close resident told the Manchester Evening News he saw a young man 'bleeding'. He said: "It looked like he had a stab wound on his left-hand side, near his armpit or something.
"They took him in a white car, they were waiting for the ambulance but it didn't turn up. The police came afterwards, they didn't come straight away."
A neighbour described seeing two weapons left in the road, ready for police to gather as evidence. "There were so many people and the police were here, their cars were here," he said.
"I saw a knife and a machete [in the road] - a police lady was there and nobody was touching them. The neighbours were out, I didn't know what had happened. A police van was here until about midnight."
As police removed the tape from the cordon, Avenham Close residents spoke of their shock at the attack on their doorsteps. One resident said: "I've lived round here for years and it was the first time I've seen anything like that round here, it's usually peaceful."
But a neighbour told the M.E.N. he had been concerned about groups of youths congregating in the area. He said: "I think most people here are not happy with what they are seeing, there should be cameras round here.
"We see a lot of kids coming round here most of the time. We wonder what's going on, but we don't know exactly what happens."
Over on Salutation Street, neighbours described a commotion that took place as the incident unfolded, while a police helicopter was seen above. One woman said: "I heard a lot of noise.
"It was like everybody was having an argument, it was a weird one. I was thinking 'oh my god, I'm not getting involved'. I was looking out of the window, I didn't want to open my door with all that going on."
One household described seeing the 15-year-old victim moments after he had been attacked. "There was just a guy running around," the resident said.
"He was bleeding, he had a cut to his hand. The guy had been attacked." His son added: "It was a truly horrific sight. I just don't know how to feel."
Another neighbour added: "I just saw the police. I went to bed at midnight and they were still there.
"There was some stabbing, and someone ran towards a house. It's getting bad isn't it - these kids now."
Officers issued a Section 60 order for increased stop and search powers in an area including Hulme and Whitworth Park following the attacks. The order was due to expire at 9pm tonight, but has since been extended.
Detective Superintendent David Meeney, of GMP’s City of Manchester district, said: “Firstly, I would like to reassure the community in Hulme that we are investigating these incidents robustly and exploring every avenue to ensure the offenders of these horrific attacks are brought to justice. Our officers are busy conducting further enquiries across multiple scenes in the Hulme area of Manchester and we fully understand that the nature of these attacks and our increased presence will spark cause concern within the community.
"Rest assured our officers are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of the local community and we have increased our presence of visible and covert officers across the district to provide added reassurance to the public. We have also authorised a section 60 across an area of the city of Manchester district which is highlighted in the map provided.
"Within this area we are able to stop and search anyone within this area to search them for any offensive weapons or if we have reason to believe they are conducting criminal activities. GMP understand the use of a Section 60 can cause concern to residents, however, the use of these powers is only authorised when it is proportionate and necessary.
"Officers out and about will continue to do all they can to keep you safe and will be on hand to offer any reassurance." Anyone with information about the attacks is urged to contact GMP by calling 101, quoting reference number 3388 of May 17, 2023, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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