Greater Manchester is battling a surge in knife crime across our region - with six stabbings in just 16 days.
Three of these attacks have been fatal, killing two teenage boys and a 20-year-old man.
The crimes have taken place across Greater Manchester with attacks in Hulme ., Dukinfield , Salford , and the Arndale Centre .
READ MORE: Children killing children: Inside Greater Manchester’s teen knife crime epidemic
Yesterday (Monday 7), two more stabbings rocked the region.
In Hulme, officers were called to a report of a disturbance at a block of flats after a man was knifed in the neck and a gun was fired in the early hours of the morning.
Neighbours woke up to a ‘loud bang’ at around 3am and a huge police presence followed, with cordons remaining in place all yesterday.
The mood on the estate was sombre and eerie as most residents stayed inside while police investigated.
One resident, who asked not to be named, said “I heard a bang going off after 12. Then all the police turned up. It was terrifying."
A 49 year-old man is in a serious condition in hospital.
Just four hours earlier, a 21-year-old man was stabbed in Salford.
Neighbours told how the blood-soaked victim knocked on doors for help and say they are "scared to walk their dogs" after another stabbing.
:One woman said: "It's awful isn't it, what's gotten into people?
"I'm supposed to take my dog for a walk, but I don't think I will now, I just don't feel safe anymore.
“You can’t live your life how you want to anymore.”
Nobody has yet been charged over the two attacks.
They follow a succession of horrific fatal knife attacks in the region.
Last Friday (February 4), Dylan Keelan was knifed to death in an ambush outside a shop just moments after telling a pal "look after yourself".
His devastated mum said "I am broken" as she released a heartbreaking tribute to her "lovely and hardworking son".
Seventeen-year-old Alan Szelugowski was found stabbed to death in Clowes Park in Salford just days earlier.
And, six days before that, on January 22, 16-year-old Kennie Carter was also stabbed to death.
In the three recent murder investigations, nobody has yet been charged.
Timeline of six stabbings in 16 days
January 22 - Kennie Carter, 16, stabbed to death in Stretford
January 28 - Boy, 16, Arndale Centre, left with minor injuries in city centre
January 30 - Alan Szelugowski, 17, died after being stabbed in Clowes Park, Salford
February 4 - Dylan Keelan, 20, died after being stabbed in Cheetham Hill Road, Dukinfield
February 6 - Man, 21, left seriously hurt in Manchester Road, Salford
February 7 - Man, 49, left seriously hurt in Eliza Street, Hulme
What are GMP doing?
Police say they have ramped up patrols and have stopped and searched more than 100 people across Manchester, Bolton, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford and Wigan over the weekend.
Over the past year, the Manchester Evening News has reported at least one stabbing a week , across all 10 boroughs where either the victim or perpetrator was a teenager.
Have your say on what should be done to tackle knife crime in our comments below
Yesterday Greater Manchester Police admitted there has been a surge in knife crime across the region.
GMP Assistant Chief Constable Chris Sykes urged parents to check on their children.
He told the M.E.N: “It’s about speaking to your young people, your children, taking the time to understand who they’re hanging round with, where they’re going on an evening.
"Are you really happy that they’re not just out getting into trouble and causing mischief?”
Asst Chief Const Sykes said social media plays a role in attacks.
He said; "“Do you know if they’re having falling outs at school or online, is there an incident going on online, because tragically a lot of the incidents stem from something incredibly minor.
"But then when it’s put on social media it turns into something we call 'toxic masculinity' where no one wants to back down and reaches levels that are so disproportionate.
“So my advice to parents and family members who are concerned is to speak to young people, speak to them to make sure you know what they’re doing and where they’re doing it.
"Speak to them and make sure they understand the consequences of just leaving the house with a knife, even if you have no intention of using it, what could happen.”
Last week, GMP announced tha t tackling knife crime is a ‘top priority’.
Asst Chief Const Tony Creely said: "I would like to reiterate the Chief Constable's promise to Greater Manchester that GMP is a force which focuses on fighting, preventing and reducing crime to keep people safe."
