Manchester knife attacks: police appeal after four assaults in a week in Cheetham Hill, man arrested

Police are continuing to appeal for public help after a spate of late-night knife attacks in the space of a week in part of Manchester after a man was arrested.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are asking if anyone can help with their investigation into four assaults which have taken place in the Cheetham Hill area of the city. Officers have arrested a man and he was in custody for questioning on Friday (21 October).

The victims of the knife assaults, which police believe are random attacks, suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and are being supported by specialist officers. Police are also asking residents in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as they continue to investigate the attacks.

What has been happening in Cheetham Hill and what are the police asking the public to do?

GMP said that there have been four assaults, all involving the use of a knife. The attacks have all taken place in the late evening and early hours of the morning around Crumpsall Lane, Seymour Road, Albyn Avenue and Beckenham Road and Cheetham Hill Road.

The incidents happened between Wednesday 12 October and Thursday 20 October. Victims of all four attacks suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being supported by specialist officers, the police said.

GMP has asked anyone who can assist with the investigation, including by submitting CCTV footage, to ring 0161 856 1146 or use the LiveChat function on the GMP website, quoting log number 3685 of the date 18/10/22. Alternatively, they can report information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

What have police said?

Detective Inspector Michael Russell of the City of Manchester North District, said: “I would, firstly, like to thank members of the public for their reaction to this incident - particularly for sharing our appeal on social media and contacting us with information which has assisted our investigation.

“One man has been arrested in connection with these four incidents and remains in custody for further enquiries. We are of course aware of the ongoing impact on the community and so additional patrols have been deployed to the Cheetham Hill area and this will continue for the foreseeable to help reassure the local community. Anyone who is concerned should speak to officers directly or call 111 with any concerns or information.

“Our work certainly doesn’t stop here, our enquiries are still ongoing, and we have lots of work to do to ensure we seek justice for the victims of these attacks.”