Counter-terror police investigate Manchester stabbings

Counter-terror police investigate Manchester stabbings

UK

By Middleton Prince

Three people, including a police officer, have been stabbed at Manchester Victoria station.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after police were called to the city centre station shortly before 9pm on New Year’s Eve.

Counter-terror police are leading an investigation but the incident is not ongoing and police do not believe there is a wider threat to the public.

Greater Manchester Police has said there will be an increased presence in and around the station throughout the morning.

The stabbing happened at Manchester Victoria station
Image:The stabbing happened at Manchester Victoria station

The three victims were taken to a nearby hospital in a “serious” condition but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A woman in her 50s suffered injuries to her face and stomach, while a man – also in his 50s – has injuries to his stomach.

A British Transport Police (BTP) sergeant in his 30s was treated after he was stabbed in the shoulder, but has since been released.

Manchester Victoria station was closed and Metrolink tram services were suspended in the aftermath of the incident.

Counter-terror officers are leading the investigation, but police do not believe there is a wider threat
Image:Counter-terror officers are leading the investigation, but police do not believe there is a wider threat

Sam Clack, a BBC producer who works in the city, was on a platform at Manchester Victoria when he witnessed the attack.

He said: “I just heard this most blood curdling scream and looked down the platform.

“What it looked like was a guy in his 60s with a woman of similar age and another guy all dressed in black.

“It looked like they were having a fight, but she was screaming in this blood curdling way. I saw police in high-viz come towards him. He came towards me.

“I looked down and saw he had a kitchen knife with a black handle with a good, 12-inch blade. It was just fear, pure fear.”

The victims' injuries have been described as serious but not life-threatening
Image:The victims’ injuries have been described as serious but not life-threatening

Mr Clack said police officers used a Taser and pepper spray before “six or seven” of them jumped on the man.

Greater Manchester Police’s assistant chief constable Rob Potts said: “Tonight’s events will have understandably worried people.

“But I need to stress that the incident is not ongoing, a man is in custody and there is currently no intelligence to suggest that there is any wider threat at this time.

“While we don’t know yet the full circumstances and are keeping an open mind, officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West are leading on the investigation.

“This is to ensure we have all the expertise available to us and progress our investigation as soon as we possibly can.

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