Stood opposite a convenience store which became the backdrop of a brutal stabbing, two members of the public spoke of the moment they rushed to help a total stranger who was seriously wounded after being 'stabbed in the neck' late last night.
Emergency services were scrambled to Wayne's Convenience on Stockport Road, Levenshulme, at around 11:30pm yesterday evening (Sunday January 22) following reports of a stabbing. A 19-year-old was treated at the scene before being rushed to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed this afternoon.
"It was a nasty thing to see," one of the men, who didn't want to be named, told the M.E.N. "I'm a trained first-aider so I rushed over and helped give him CPR. But he seemed in a bad way."
Police say they are now investigating following the 'serious' stabbing, and are appealing to the public for more information. In a statement, Inspector Matthew Hamer of GMP’s Major Incident Team said there will be an 'increased police presence' in the area as officers conduct 'further searches and enquiries'. No arrests have been made at present.
Another man who also assisted at the scene told the M.E.N he had come outside for a cigarette when he noticed a commotion at the convenience store. He said he applied pressure to the wound, which several witnesses said was on his neck, while his friend helped give CPR.
"I literally just saw the start of it happen. Everything was hectic," he said. "It wasn't nice seeing him like that at all. Fingers crossed he is okay."
One resident said he was a frequent customer at Wayne's Convenience, and had been on his way there to buy some drinks yesterday evening when he saw a large emergency services presence outside. He was upset as he recalled seeing a 'young man' lying on the floor following the incident.
"He looked bad, the lad," he told the M.E.N.
Other residents reacted with shock and horror as they woke up to find the main road many of them work and commute on turned into a crime scene. One man living on a neighbouring road said it was 'monstrous' to think a stabbing took place just minutes from his door.
"I wouldn't say I'm massively worried about crime in the area, but I am aware of the statistics," one man said. "It's always in the back of my mind. I walk with my back a bit straighter, you know? I like living here. But I don't walk around in my own world."
Police have been authorised to enforce enhanced stop and search powers in the area following the stabbing. The section 60 order will run until noon on Tuesday, allowing officers to stop and search people in the vicinity.
Speaking to the M.E.N today, other residents expressed concern over a recent surge in knife crime in the area, following a stabbing at the Levenshulme Pub, also on Stockport Road, in early December.
A mum walking her daughter to school this morning said she wasn't surprised to see another police scene on the road following December's incident - and another man commented “It’s getting like bleedin’ New York around here," as he passed the scene.
In a statement, GMP said: "Greater Manchester Police were called to a report of a stabbing on Stockport Road in Levenshulme at around 11:30pm last night (Sunday 22 January 2023).
"Emergency services were already at the scene where a 19-year-old man had suffered serious injuries which are thought to be life-threatening. He currently remains in a critical condition in hospital.
"A scene is still in place this morning whilst enquiries continue, and no arrests have been made at this time.
"Inspector Matthew Hamer of GMP’s Major Incident Team said; “An active investigation has been underway since late last night and will continue into today as we look to identify those responsible
“A scene will continue to be in place whilst we conduct further searches and enquiries with an increased police presence in the area. GMP are taking a robust approach to knife crime in the Greater Manchester area and this is no exception.
“Anyone with information that may help officers in their initial investigation are asked to call 0161 856 1995 direct or 101 quoting log 3385 of 22/01/2023. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
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