Three people have now been arrested in connection with a stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens. Three males - including a 15-year-old boy - were detained and have since been bailed after a young man, aged in his 20s, was found with two stab wounds, including to his lower back following the city centre attack.
A huge police cordon was put in place after a 'group dispute' unfolded on Monday night. The victim, who had become involved in the 'scuffle', was taken to hospital from the scene. His injuries were not believed to be serious.
Greater Manchester Police initially confirmed that a 21-year-old man was detained and arrested on suspicion of assault and affray.
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In an update issued this morning (Wednesday), the force said two further males had been arrested in connection with the incident. A 15-year-old boy and 22-year-old were detained on suspicion of affray. Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.
On the night of the incident, there had reportedly been a dispute which then resulted in the young man being stabbed. The Manchester Evening News understood that the knifeman made off on foot from the scene.
Police helicopters swooped low over the city centre late into the evening as they attempted to locate him. When asked, Greater Manchester Police could not confirm who was responsible for the actual stabbing, as thorough investigations remain ongoing.
A GMP spokesperson said: "Three males, aged 15, 21 and 22, have all been arrested on suspicion of affray and bailed pending further enquiries.
"The investigation is on-going."
After the incident at around 4.45pm on Monday, a section of the gardens was taped off. The cordon remained in place late into the evening. One eyewitness said they saw a 'quick response' with several officers and paramedics rushing to the scene and dispersing crowds. The police helicopter was also spotted hovering above.
The eyewitness said: "It all happened so quickly. I just saw loads of police rushing people out of the area. It was horrific. I work nearby and me and my staff don’t feel safe."
Manchester councillor Pat Karney said the victim was knifed following a 'dispute within a group' and that the knifeman had ran across the length of the gardens as he quickly made away from the scene.
Coun Karney tweeted: "Big thanks to GMP for taking control of the situation. Gang argument and knife pulled.
"Not life threatening injury. We have powerful CCTV in the Gardens to apprehend these hooligans."
