A 13-year-old boy was left with serious injuries after being stabbed in the toilets of a Taco Bell restaurant in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. Two teenage boys have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of the attack at approximately 6pm on Saturday, August 19, at the restaurant on Riverside Walk. The boy was rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Witness describes 'horrific moment'
A man and his family, who were eating at the restaurant, witnessed the incident. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, David Lane recounted the "horrific moment" and how his actions helped save the boy.
"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."
Mr Lane said he told the crew to lock the door, but 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.
Police investigation ongoing
Mr Lane said his son was in the toilet at the time and left shortly before the group made their way to the bathroom. "I heard a load of crying and screaming. That's when the lad got stabbed," he continued. "I grabbed a load of napkins and put pressure on the wound. It looked like he lost a lot of blood. It was a hectic scene."
Emergency crews swiftly descended on the scene, with photographs revealing an ambulance and several police vehicles parked outside the restaurant. "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."
The restaurant was cleared and remains shut as investigations continue. A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police 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."
