People living in an east Manchester community said ‘violence has been brewing’ in the area for years after two teenagers were stabbed in broad daylight.
Emergency services raced to Herne Street in Openshaw at around 12:50pm on Monday (November 6) to reports of a disturbance outside Manchester College. Two 16-year-old boys, who were part of a ‘large group’, were rushed to hospital with ‘serious’ stab wounds that are not believed to be life threatening. No arrests have been made.
A manhunt is ongoing for the knifeman, who is ‘described as a young Asian or Indian male in dark clothing with two braids in his hair’. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, residents said violence in the area has been ‘getting worse for years’.
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One woman said she rushed to help one of the victims following the stabbing. She described him as laying on a bench with an open wound while others tried to wrap it.
“It’s disgusting what is happening here,” she said. “I’ve lived here for 18 years and it never used to be like this. Now there is something happening every week. I don’t even let my grandkids out to play anymore.
“I tried to help him. That’s somebody’s son.”
Her worries were echoed by another woman who said violence had been ‘brewing for years’. “I’m not surprised this has happened at all,” she said. “You always get kids coming into that park and fighting. So many residents here have complained about it.”
Her neighbour added police cordons in the area had become so common ‘I don’t even bother sticking my head out the door anymore’. “This happens every single day here,” he said. “There are always fights. Nothing is ever done about it. There isn’t a big enough police presence in the area.
“Next time it will be a murder.”
Another young mum who lives on the estate said she worries ‘constantly’ about her children because of violence in the area. “I’m thinking about moving because it’s just so bad here,” she said.
An eyewitness who drove past the scene between 12pm and 1pm today has told the M.E.N this afternoon: “I was driving past from work when I saw a group of about 30-50 young men.
“I saw one man take his jacket off and then another who had his jacket off and was holding his stomach sitting on a bench.”
A witness has said they saw a man lying on a bench at the scene earlier today with his stomach ‘wrapped in bandages’.
Rachel Curry, Principal at The Manchester College said: “GMP made us aware of what they have described as an isolated incident in the Openshaw community this afternoon and we are supporting the police with their enquiries.
“The College remained open throughout the afternoon and will remain open tomorrow with support in place for any student who may require it.
“As this is an ongoing police investigation we are unable to provide any further comment at this time.”
Police issued an urgent appeal for information following the incident. Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Davies said: “This is believed to be an isolated incident; however, there will be extra patrols in the area for the next couple of days as we carry out enquiries. Officers received reports that two males, who were possibly part of a larger group, had been involved in an altercation.
“The offender is described as a young Asian or Indian male in dark clothing with two braids in his hair. The two young males were stabbed, both sustaining serious injuries, and were taken to hospital.
“We are liaising with staff at the nearby college and appeal for witnesses to the incident to contact police in the North Manchester CID office on 0161 856 1146 or call 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.
