Emergency services were called to Nicholas Street in Manchester's Chinatown at around 4.50am on Saturday (September 26) after a man was found with serious injuries in the pagoda. He was taken to hospital, where he remains receiving treatment.
Witness describes 'horror film' scene
An eyewitness, a bouncer working in the area, described the scene as 'like a horror film'. He and a colleague went to help the man after being approached by a male who said someone needed help.
"Even though we were off duty and not necessarily obligated to investigate, we took it upon ourselves to do so," the bouncer told the Manchester Evening News. "I turned on my torch which I keep attached to my stab proof vest just as we got to the hut and I could only describe it as a scene from a movie, like a horror film or something."
Police investigation underway
Greater Manchester Police said officers are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding how the man came to sustain his injuries. At this stage, there is believed to be no wider risk to the community, however detectives are keeping an open mind as enquiries continue. No arrests have been made.
"Training kicked in and I called it in as the other bouncer tried to make contact without us contaminating the scene," the eyewitness said. Police then descended, as well as multiple paramedics. A cordon was put in place around the area and remained throughout Saturday morning, with detectives carrying out enquiries within the taped-off area.
Appeal for information
Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area around the Pagoda in Chinatown between 3am and 5am and witnessed anything that could assist the investigation to come forward. Anyone with information, or relevant CCTV, dashcam or mobile phone footage, is asked to contact police on 101 or via LiveChat, quoting log 578 of 26/09/2026.
