A man was fighting for his life in hospital today after reports of a 'serious assault' in Bury town centre at gone 4am.
Police said the man, who hasn't been named, was taken to hospital from Silver Street for treatment to what they described as 'life-threatening' injuries.
The M.E.N. understands the victim lives in Whitefield and has a young son and a partner. "They are kind and good people," said one source, a close friend. "They are hardworking, good people. He's a great man and a great father."
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One man has been arrested and remained in custody today - Saturday. Police chiefs said CCTV footage was currently being collated and examined. They said 'initial investigations' pointed to an 'isolated incident with no threat to the wider community'.
Emergency services were called to the scene at 4.25am. A scene remained in place today, with forensic investigators pictured combing the area for clues. A blue forensics tent was in place on the road.
In a statement, GMP said: "On Saturday 8 July 2023, at around 4.25am, we received reports from the public of a serious assault outside a premises on Silver Street in Bury.
"After emergency services attended, a man was taken to hospital and remains there for treatment for what are believed to be life-threatening injuries. An investigation is ongoing at this time to understand the full circumstances with a number of lines of enquiry being explored, including an appeal to the public to help find out what happened."
One man working in the area said: "I came to work this morning and the cordon was here - we weren't told much but it looked very serious."
Detective Superintendent Paul Rollinson, of GMP's Bury district, said: "As part of our investigation a scene is set up on Silver Street. We are collecting evidence and reviewing CCTV footage.
"Following lines of enquires, one male has already been arrested and we are keen to speak with anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone who was in the local area and could have seen or heard anything. We are especially keen for mobile phone, CCTV or dash-cam footage that may show the incident or aftermath.
"Our initial investigations point to this being an isolated incident with no threat to the wider community. Additional officers will be patrolling around the town centre. They are there to help and provide visible reassurance."
No further details have been revealed. No age for the victim has been released either and it's not known what the man was arrested on suspicion of, or his age.
Anyone with information can submit it through the portal link: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP23S57-PO1
Contact the investigation team on 0161 856 3635 or by calling 101 quoting log number 655 of the 08/07/2023.
Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
