Police dramatically swooped on Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester on Monday evening as city-goers were urgently rushed away from the area.
What onlookers described as scenes of chaos and horror were soon revealed to be the fast reaction to a senseless stabbing. What is usually a bustling city centre hub of an afternoon had suddenly become a crime scene with police guarding every corner.
Officers were called to the gardens, in the centre of Manchester, following reports of a stabbing after a 'group dispute'. What they found was a young man, in his 20s, with two stab wounds, including to his lower back, following a brutal attack amid commuters and shoppers.
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He was rushed to hospital by paramedics from the scene, and a large cordon was erected throughout the gardens. There was much speculation as police and forensics carried out their investigations.
The M.E.N understands that the knifeman scarpered on foot from the scene and remained on the loose on Monday evening, as police helicopters swooped low in the sky in their rapid search. One man, aged 21, was arrested and detained on suspicion of assault and affray shortly afterwards.
The section of the gardens was taped off after police received initial reports of the attack at about 4.45pm, with the cordon remaining in place late into the evening. The victim, who had become involved in a 'scuffle' was taken to hospital but his injuries are not believed to be serious.
One eyewitness said they saw a 'quick response' and 11 police officers rush to the scene and disperse worried crowds shortly after the incident. “It all happened so quickly. I just saw loads of police rushing people out of the area. It was horrific. I work nearby and me and my staff don’t feel safe.”
Manchester councillor Pat Karney also said the victim was knifed following a 'dispute within a group' and that the knifeman had ran across the length of the gardens as he quickly made away from the scene.
Coun Karney tweeted: "Big thanks to GMP for taking control of the situation. Gang argument and knife pulled.
"Not life threatening injury. We have powerful CCTV in the Gardens to apprehend these hooligans."
Several police cordons were set up in Piccadilly Gardens following the stabbing, as pictures from the scene showed a large patch of grass taped off, close to the Piccadilly Gardens Metrolink stop.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 4.45pm hours this evening (14 March 2022), police were called to a report of a stabbing in the Piccadilly Gardens area of the City Centre.
"Officers attended and a male in his 20’s was located with two stab wounds and was taken to hospital. His injuries are not believed to be serious.
"A 21-year-old male was detained and arrested on suspicion of assault and affray.
"Enquiries are on-going. Anyone with information, or anyone who witnessed this incident is asked to contact City of Manchester CID on 856 4409 quoting log number 2279 of the 14 March 2022."
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