Members of the public detained a suspected knife mugger after a woman's handbag was stolen in Cheetham Hill, north Manchester. Armed police rushed to Larch Gardens on Saturday afternoon, and a 40-year-old woman was arrested within minutes. The victim, a woman in her 60s, is being treated in hospital for a wound to her hand sustained during the theft.
Second Suspect Sought
Police are now searching for a second suspect believed to have been involved in the mugging, which occurred at around 4.25pm. Patrols have been increased in the area. The arrested woman, described by police as of Pakistani ethnicity, remains in custody on suspicion of assault, robbery, and possession of a bladed article.
Police Statement
The incident took place in a Sikh area of north Manchester. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) stated: “We are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident but do not believe this to be motivated by race or religion.” Detective Superintendent Sarah Harris said: “Firstly, the victim is thankfully in a stable condition in hospital and is receiving treatment for an injury to her hand. We know this incident was witnessed by members of our local Sikh community, who we know will be shaken by it.”
“While we do not believe race or religion was a motive, it is still a shocking ordeal for the victim and those who witnessed it. We are supporting the victim and officers remain in the area. Officers made an arrest eight minutes after the call was made and I thank members of the public for helping to detain the suspect. The suspect remains in custody, and we are working to locate a potential second suspect.”
Community Reassurance
Detective Superintendent Harris added: “I understand the wider worries expressed by all our communities regarding safety on our streets. In Greater Manchester, we continue to stress our priority is keeping all people safe by listening to communities and policing without fear or favour.” Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 2441 of June 6, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
