CCTV footage has captured the moment a man entered The Deli cafe on Tonge Moor Road in Bolton and lunged at a customer with a knife. The victim, who was eating breakfast, stood up and punched the attacker, leading to a struggle. The cafe owner intervened and wrestled the knife away, after which the suspect sat down and waited for police to arrive.
The victim's padded gilet is believed to have prevented serious injury. Greater Manchester Police said a second man was stabbed outside the cafe, with both attacks treated as linked and related to mental health. Two men were treated for stab wounds at the scene.
A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of assault, police confirmed on Wednesday. Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples said there was no wider threat and that the incident was being treated as isolated, with extra patrols deployed in the area.
In a statement, The Deli said staff and customers were safe and assisting police, and thanked a customer who helped during the incident, adding he would receive free orders for life. The cafe remained closed for the rest of the day.
Police remained on Tonge Moor Road carrying out house-to-house enquiries. The force acknowledged a video of the incident circulating online and encouraged anyone with concerns to speak to officers.
