Stop and search powers have been extended by police across Moss Side after a teenage boy was fatally stabbed on Thursday (April 5).
The 17-year-old victim, now named as Prince Walker-Ayeni, was knifed in the horror attack on Raby Street at around 4.15pm. He was rushed to hospital from the scene but died a short time later.
Greater Manchester Police launched a murder investigation, with the street cordoned off overnight and throughout Friday amid investigations. An evidence tent was erected and forensics in white suits remained at the scene.
READ MORE Police hunting Moss Side murder suspect appeal for CCTV and doorbell footage
After the incident, police issued a Section 60 order in the area, giving officers increased powers to stop-and-search people. The order came into place at 8.30pm on Thursday and were initially meant to last for 24 hours, until 8.30pm on Friday.
The area covered Raby Street and the surrounding streets near Millennium Park, as well as areas on both sides of Princess Road. Officers then extended the powers further to run until 3am on Saturday (April 6).
Prince, who was just days away from his 18th birthday, died shortly after being rushed to hospital from the scene. Police are now appealing for information and are particularly interested in the identities of three males wearing dark clothes and riding motorbikes in the area.
Superintendent Muzemil Kernain of GMP’s City Centre division, said: “We are satisfied that the extension of the section 60 is proportionate and necessary for our community to deter crime and reassure local residents.
“Officers will be out tonight and over the coming days to ensure that there is a highly visible police presence, if you have any concerns, please speak to them or alternatively, report to police on 101 quoting incident number 2280 of 4/4/24.”
Earlier on Friday, Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “Prince was a few days away from being 18 years old, and he should have been celebrating his birthday with his family and friends. This is a tragic and senseless loss of life of a boy that was on the cusp of adulthood, and our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
“Whilst no arrests have been made at this time, there will be a large police presence over the coming days for community reassurance and to carry out enquiries as we work tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and bring them to justice.
“We are continuing to appeal for any information or relevant footage – including mobile, CCTV, doorbell or dashcam. Any information you have will be treated with the strictest confidence and if you do have information to share, I urge you to do the right thing and report it to police, it may seem like a small piece of information, but it could prove vital to our investigation.”
Information can also be shared through the online Major Incident Public Portal: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24A76-PO1 Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
