Manchester fatal stabbing in Fallowfield: police launch murder probe after death of university student, 19

Police have launched a murder inquiry following the fatal stabbing of a university student in Manchester.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have said the investigation into the death of a 19-year-old following an incident in the Fallowfield area of the city is a murder probe and are urgently appealing for the public to come forward with information.

The force says it is aware the news will be a significant shock to many people in the city, particularly Manchester’s large student population. They said people could expect to see a large police presence in the area over the next few days.

What happened to the student?

GMP said it was called to reports of a stabbing on Wilmslow Road at around 2am on Wednesday (26 October). They found a 19-year-old man at the scene and CPR was started.

The young man was taken to hospital but sadly he died of his injuries a short time later. Police said on Wednesday afternoon that the case was now a murder investigation. The victim’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Police are asking for anyone with information to contact them on 101 , quoting log number 240 of the date 26/10/22. Members of the public can also upload information including photos, videos and CCTV footage to the Major Incident Public Portal. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

What have police said?

Detective Superintendent Neil Jones of GMP’s south Manchester division said: “This was a terrible crime which has robbed a young man of his life and my thoughts are with his family at this devastating time.

“I understand it will cause distress and concern to many in Fallowfield and across Manchester more widely, including our large student community. The investigation is in its early stages, but I can assure you that our officers are working round the clock and carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident. We are actively pursuing leads and will relentlessly pursue the offender to ensure they are brought to justice.

“There will be more officers out on the streets in Fallowfield and the surrounding area over the coming days conducting high visibility and plain clothes patrols to gather intelligence and reassure the community.

“Greater Manchester Police operates a Student Safe Operation with our partners on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights where our officers patrol the student areas at night, and these efforts will ramp up and be given extra resources. I hope this goes some way to reassure the community and if anyone has any information about this incident or has any concerns, I urge you to speak to these officers. They are there to help and support you.”

What else has been said about this incident?

Coun Luthfur Rahman, deputy leader of Manchester City Council, said: “It’s with great sadness that we hear of the incident in Fallowfield that has taken the life of a young man. We know that this sort of incident is very worrying for people living and working in the area, but we should all be reassured that this is being treated as an isolated incident and GMP have confirmed that they will increase officers on the streets over the coming days.

“The council is actively supporting the police investigation and we would urge anyone with information to get in touch with GMP. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time.”