Neighbours have woken up in shock and disbelief after a 21-year-old man was stabbed to death in a 'quiet' Trafford neighbourhood.
Police were called to Kings Road in Old Trafford at around 7.45pm on Wednesday evening (May 31) to reports of a disturbance. They later confirmed a murder investigation had been launched after a young man was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. Officers remain at the cordon this morning, as residents reacted to the killing.
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"It is really sad," one neighbour told the Manchester Evening News. "It's normally quiet around here, we're a friendly neighbourhood."
He said reports suggested the victim was followed before he was stabbed. The Manchester Evening News understands that the attack is believed to have been targeted.
Another said he saw 'several' ambulances round the back of one of the properties. "I went to take my dog for a walk and when I came back there were lots of police on the street," he added.
"I could tell something really severe had happened." Other residents reacted with sadness and dismay over the tragic incident.
"It was a shock," one said. "I've lived here for 20 years and never seen anything like this. It's just incredibly sad."
One man said he didn't see or hear the incident, but heard 'wailing' coming from the house last night. "My thoughts are with the family," he said. "It's awful."
Police say they have stepped up a 'visible presence' of officers in the area and are urging anyone with any information to get in touch.
"We are in the very early stages of a murder investigation, and a team of experienced officers will be working throughout the night and over the coming days to understand a timeline of events that will help us piece together what has happened this evening," Detective Superintendent Jane Higham said in a statement last night.
"We recognise that incidents of this nature will cause concern in our communities, not just in Old Trafford but across Greater Manchester, and as a result there will be a visible increase of police officers in the area over the coming days whilst detectives investigate.
"Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to come and speak with us."
The M.E.N also understands the killing is not linked to a recent spate of violence in Trafford that saw section 60 stop and search powers put in place on Tuesday night.
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