A bar owner has tearfully told how he battled in vain to save the life of a man stabbed in a town centre fight.
The stabbing happened at about 3.50pm yesterday afternoon in Bury town centre when the 19-year-old was attacked in Market Street. He was rushed to hospital in a serious condition but tragically died.
Three boys, all aged 16, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, Greater Manchester Police said this morning.
READ MORE: Three boys, 16, arrested for murder after 19-year-old stabbed to death in Bury town centre
The horror unfolded as Michael Wood was smoking outside the Sky Bar, which he owns, on Market Street. It is understood the victim was stabbed outside the entrance to the Mill Gate shopping complex, about 50 yards from the bar.
Michael, 52, told the Manchester Evening News: "Two black youths came running along the pavement screaming. They got to the door and one of them said 'I've been stabbed'.
"He ran into the bar and I followed him in. He fell to the floor. I shouted to the girls to get me some towels and phoned 999 to get an ambulance.
"I put pressure on him. I was talking to him, trying to keep him with us, saying 'what's your name, what's your mum's name, what's your address', trying to keep him talking.
"I kept the pressure on his wound. He was crying, I was saying 'it's going to be five minutes, you'll be fine'. When they got here, they worked on him and put him on a stretcher."
Michael, who said the victim had been stabbed in the chest, said paramedics were performing CPR as they carried the man to the ambulance.
"My daughter, Katie, and one of the other girls who work with me were helping me. It was awful. Of course, we stopped serving and closed the bar.
"We had a live act on who had to stop, then we closed down. We're all in shock. We did everything we could for the lad."
Michael said he had heard the stabbing may have been over a cigarette, however this has not been confirmed by GMP.
Michael later took to social media to thank regulars of the popular bar and music venue. On Facebook he posted: "Thank you to everyone who has messaged the page about the welfare of the victim.
"Everyone at Sky Bar is in utter disbelief of the events that have occurred. Unfortunately we have been given the worst possible news, all details have been posted on Manchester Evening News (we have not reposted them on our page out of respect for the family and victim).
"Our thoughts and prayers are out to the victim of this horrible attack and we hope the culprit is brought to justice as quickly as possible.
"The staff at Sky Bar are beside themselves, every attempt was made to help this young man and we can’t believe the result of this horrible attack, we cannot express the disbelief and horror that has his family must be feeling.
"We will continue to keep them in our prayers as they console the loss of a loved one and will do everything we can to aid in the police investigation and bring the family of this poor young man some justice.
"Again we are so sorry, we couldn’t have helped more. From everyone at the Sky Bar team, from the owner to every employee, we wished we could have done anything further to help this young man.
"God bless. If anyone has any information that could help the police please contact them immediately and help get justice for this young man."
Police today said that three teenagers have been arrested following the fatal stabbing.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: "His [the victim's] next of kin have been informed and are currently receiving support from specialist officers.
"An investigation was launched and following enquiries three males, aged 16, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody for questioning.
"Section 60 stop and search powers under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act have been implemented in Bury town centre and will be in place this weekend."
Detective Superintendent Lewis Hughes said: "I'd like to reiterate that our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of the young man who was very sadly killed yesterday afternoon.
"This has been a fast-paced investigation and I am pleased to say detectives have made three arrests overnight in connection with his death.
"Although they remain in custody for questioning our investigation is still in its initial stages and we are continuing to appeal to anyone who may have been in the area at the time to come forward and assist the police.
"This incident occurred in broad daylight in a Bury town centre so it is highly likely there are members of the public who witnessed the assault or may have mobile phone footage from around the town.
"If you were in Bury town centre and saw any disturbance in or around Millgate Shopping Centre then we ask that you contact Greater Manchester Police. You can also pass information anonymously via Crimestoppers.
"This is a shocking incident of violence and I want to assure the public we are continuing to work at pace to ensure those responsible face justice and we provide this young man's family with the answers they deserve."
Anyone with information should contact Greater Manchester Police quoting incident reference 1940 of 11/03/22 via 0161 856 0027 or gmp.police.uk.
Meanwhile, in wake of the tragedy, Bury council's cabinet member for communities Councillor Richard Gold said: “Our thoughts are with the victims' family and friends at this sad time.
“A police investigation is underway, and I would like to reassure the community that every effort is being made to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
"Extra police are also patrolling the town centre. I would urge anyone with any information to contact Greater Manchester Police. You can also pass on this information anonymously via Crimestoppers."
READ MORE: Greater Manchester's coronavirus infection rates rise in all ten boroughs again
READ MORE: Man dies after getting out of his car on M65
