A murder investigation has been launched after a teenager was knifed to death in south Manchester. Police raced to the scene of the stabbing on Southlea Road in Withington at around 11.30am on Tuesday (November 22).
Greater Manchester Police have since confirmed the victim, aged 17, has died as a result of his injuries after he was rushed to hospital. A murder investigation is now underway with the force believing it was 'not a random attack' with no wider threat to the public.
A cordon remained in place throughout Tuesday afternoon and into the evening, with forensics investigating at the scene. An air ambulance was also scrambled to the area following the attack. An increased police presence is expected in the locality over the coming days.
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Neighbours spoke of their shock to the Manchester Evening News following the incident, which sent shockwaves through the community. Police had initially said the teenager was the victim of a 'serious assault' before they later said his injuries had proven fatal.
A person who lives nearby, who asked not to be named, said: "It is shocking as it is right near a school and around the time the nursery children are walking home."
Others told of how they were worried about their children. One woman added: "I've got to go and pick my kids up from school, but I don’t want to bring them back to this."
In an update on Tuesday evening, Greater Manchester Police confirmed the 17-year-old had later died as a result of the injuries. His next of kin have been informed who are being supported by specialist officers as the force are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Just after 11:30am today (Tuesday 22 November 2022), Greater Manchester Police were alerted to a stabbing on Southlea Road, Withington. The young man was taken to hospital but sadly passed away a short time later as a result of his injuries.
"His next of kin have been informed and specially trained officers are supporting them at this difficult time. We do not believe that this was a random attack and early enquiries suggest that there is no threat to the wider public."
Detective Superintendent Neil Jones of GMP South Manchester Division added: "Our thoughts are with the victim's loved ones at this devastating time, and I understand this will cause distress and concern to the community and across Manchester. We are in the early stages of our investigation, but I can assure you that our officers are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.
“You may notice that there will be an increase in officers out on the streets in the Withington and Burnage area over the coming days to gather intelligence and offer reassurance to the public.
“If anyone has any information about this incident or has any concerns, I encourage you to speak to these officers. They are there to help and support you. This can also be done anonymously via Crimestoppers. I also ask anyone who has dash cam or CCTV footage from this area to contact us on 0161 856 1995.”
Greater Manchester Police can be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999. Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Teenage boy seriously hurt after being 'stabbed' in south Manchester
