A total of 123 knives have been seized and 74 people arrested for knife-related offences, during a week of police action to prevent knife crime.
During the Operation Sceptre national week of action, Greater Manchester Police say it "focused on enforcement and ensuring people were aware of the consequences of knife crime". Officers deployed knife arches and conducted warrants, high-visibility patrols, and 223 weapon sweeps, the force says.
The shocking statistics of their findings come after a week of violence across Greater Manchester which saw 17-year-old Kyle Hackland stabbed to death in Withington, a man stabbed in a 'disturbance' in Whitefield the same day (November 22) and a 15-year-old boy seriously hurt after being stabbed in a robbery in Trafford yesterday. (November 27)
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GMP said it worked with partners, colleges and schools to deliver 51 anti-knife sessions and "engaged with thousands of pupils across Greater Manchester" from Monday 14 to Sunday 20, November, to help raise awareness of knife crime and the devastating impact carrying a knife can have.
The sessions covered the dangers and consequences of carrying knives and the laws around it, as well as advice on how to avoid becoming involved in knife crime.
Superintendent Caroline Hemingway, GMP’s knife crime lead, said: “My officers are out there every single day, not only raising awareness about the dangers of knife crime through preventative activities, but also enforcing the law.
"We have seen several incidents recently where a loved one has been seriously injured, and sadly people have been killed on our streets because of knives. Our thoughts remain with those families who are at this time going through unimaginable pain and heartbreak.
“Recent events have only strengthened our resolve that knife crime will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester - it has no place on our streets, where our communities are supposed to feel safe. Our work does not stop at the end of Operation Sceptre – our commitment is clear – to reduce knife crime and prevent people from thinking they need to carry a knife.
“Carrying a knife can and will lead to serious consequences. Carrying a knife or any other form of bladed weapon does not make you safer – it can be used against you leading to serious consequences. Think about your family the next time you carry a knife – think about the impact your actions will have on them.
“We all have a part to play in tackling knife crime in our communities. I encourage members of the public to continue to provide us with any information or intelligence that you may have, as this supports the work that GMP and our partners undertake in our fight against knife crime and allows us to take the necessary action to minimise the devastating impact it can have on our communities.”
Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “The success of Operation Sceptre reflects Greater Manchester’s concerted effort and determination to remove weapons from our streets and keep our communities, particularly our young people, safe from violent crime.
“The support of local people is vital in building stronger and safer communities, I would like to thank them for their efforts and continue to urge them to speak out if they have concerns about a young person. I would also like to give my thanks to Greater Manchester Police and other agencies who have supported the operation.
“Through our Violence Reduction Unit, the police, local authorities, youth services, health, education and schools, as well as other criminal justice partners, continue to work together to embed a community-led approach to violence prevention.”
Three serious attacks in just one week
Kyle Hackland was just 17-years-old when he was stabbed on Southlea Road, in Withington, last Tuesday morning (November 22). He was rushed to hospital but later died of his injuries.
A vigil was held to remember Kyle on Sunday night as hundreds gathered along Southlea Road, at the exact spot where he was fatally injured. Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
In a tribute issued last Wednesday, Kyle's grieving family said: "We are devastated by the death of our beloved Kyle. He was such a kind and well-mannered young boy who always looked out for his family - never failing to say 'love youl as he walked out the door.
“There are no words that can even begin to describe the pain we feel. We have always been such a close family, and this has shattered us all."
The region was rocked by two further stabbings last week. Later that day (November 22), in a separate incident, another man was left fighting for his life after being stabbed in a 'disturbance' on Harlech Avenue, Whitefield, at around 5pm.
And on Sunday, in the early hours of the morning, another teenager became the latest victim of knife crime. The 15-year-old boy suffered serious injuries after being stabbed in a robbery on Darnley Street, Old Trafford, at around 3am. In their latest update, GMP said he was now in a stable condition.
Those living nearby have described hearing 'shouting' before one eyewitness saw the victim lying on stricken on the floor, and a suspected culprit jumping into a car which drove away immediately afterwards. He then cried out that 'he'd been stabbed' and knocked on nearby doors for help.
To report an incident to GMP, please call the Police on 101 or talk via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Reports and concerns can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.fearless.org.
If you are concerned about a young person, visit #SpeakingOutCouldSaveALife - Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit (gmvru.co.uk) to find help and support and learn more about the Violence Reduction Unit’s campaign.
If you carry a knife or weapon, you are urged to surrender it at one of 13 Forever Amnesty bins located across Greater Manchester. You can find the location of your nearest bin here.
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