Police have launched an attempted murder investigation after three men were 'struck to the head with bricks' in a brutal city centre assault. Officers cordoned off the junction of Peter Street and Deansgate for several hours after discovering the trio with serious head injuries after 2.15am on Monday (June 13).
Two of the victims remain in hospital for treatment. Following initial enquiries, Greater Manchester Police says that the victims had been in a nearby licensed premises when they witnessed an unknown male in an altercation with two other men - who were also unknown.
Following this, the victims befriended the unknown male and his girlfriend, before leaving the premises shortly before 2.15am. Immediately afterwards, one of the suspects was picked up by a black Nissan Qashqai car, which was driven along Peter Street before turning right onto Jerusalem Place.
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GMP says the suspect had been 'lying in wait' by hiding in doorways and behind vehicles, while using his phone. The Qashqai's two occupants then exited the car and ran back to Peter Street, where they attacked the victims for around one minute.
The offenders returned to the car, which then left the city centre via Bootle Street, Deansgate and Quay Street. A 30-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody for questioning.
Detectives have now released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the attack. Anyone with information is being urged to come forward.
Det Sgt Paddy Connell, of GMP’s City of Manchester division CID, said: “I cannot express the severity of this attack - the victims were struck with a brick numerous times to the head before being punched and kicked. As our investigation continues, we wish them a speedy recovery.
“It is imperative that we identify all involved so we can bring those responsible to face justice. We are now in a position to appeal to members of the public for help to identify the man in the image, who we would like to speak to about the incident.
"We are also appealing for anyone with information, whether this be a verbal account or images from CCTV or dash cam, to contact us. Finally, we are appealing for the unknown male and his girlfriend to come forward.
"We have reason to believe that they are from Merseyside. I would like to stress that they are not suspects in this investigation but we believe they may have vital information which can assist us.”
Anyone with information should contact GMP on 0161 856 9272, quoting 273 of June 13, 2022, or visit gmp.police.uk. Information can also be shared anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
