A 13-year-old boy has been left with serious injuries after being stabbed inside a Taco Bell restaurant in Rochdale. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officers were called to reports of the incident at around 6pm on Saturday, August 19, at the branch on Riverside Walk.
The boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Two teenage boys have since been arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of a bladed article, and enquiries are ongoing, GMP said.
Witness describes 'horrific moment'
David Lane, who was dining at the restaurant with his family, told the Manchester Evening News how he helped save the victim's life. He described seeing a large group of youths enter the premises, some carrying knives.
"We sat down and ordered our food at around 5.50pm, then a load of kids came in and started fighting," he said. "I got up and went to one of the crew members at Taco Bell and asked them to kick them out because my family were there."
"I told them to lock the door, and they never did. About ten minutes later, the crew member who was guarding the door was pushed by one of them, then around 20 to 25 youths ran in, some with knives," he added.
Emergency response and arrest
Mr Lane said his son had been in the toilet and left shortly before the group made their way there. He heard crying and screaming, and then the boy was stabbed. He grabbed napkins and applied pressure to the wound, noting the victim appeared to lose a lot of blood.
Emergency services arrived quickly, with an ambulance and police cars stationed outside the restaurant. The eatery was evacuated and remains closed while enquiries continue.
"My wife was looking after our children at the time. It was horrific. If it wasn't for my actions, I think he would have died," Mr Lane said. "My children shouldn't have to see that."
A GMP spokesperson said: "We were called to reports of a stabbing at 6.09pm on Riverside Walk. Boy, 13, taken to hospital with serious injuries. Two teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of a bladed article. Enquiries are ongoing."
