Manchester Takeaway Scene of Stabbing as Oldham Sees Three Violent Attacks
A witness has described seeing blood 'all over the floor' of a Manchester takeaway following one of three separate stabbing attacks that occurred in Oldham within hours tonight, leaving three men seriously injured and one with potentially life-changing wounds. The violence has prompted police to impose enhanced stop and search powers across large parts of the town as investigations continue.
Three Incidents in Quick Succession
The first attack took place in the Butler Green area of Chadderton at approximately 5.50pm, where a 26-year-old man suffered potentially life-changing injuries and was taken to hospital. No arrests have been made in connection with this incident.
Shortly before 7.30pm, roughly 200 metres away, a 21-year-old man was stabbed in the leg and head in the B&M car park on Chadderton Way. He is also receiving hospital treatment, with police stating his injuries are not currently believed to be life-changing. A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder in relation to this attack and remains in police custody. The car park remains closed while the investigation proceeds.
Takeaway Staff Assist Wounded Victim
At around 7.30pm, a third incident occurred on Featherstall Road North, where a man was attacked and then entered the TFC chicken shop seeking help. Staff at the takeaway assisted the wounded man, who is reported to be in a stable condition in hospital. An observer recounted, 'You could see blood all over the floor near the counter. It looks like he's gone in there after being stabbed and the staff have helped him.' A member of staff told The Mirror, 'Someone came running into the shop from outside saying 'help me, help me' he sat down and we helped him.'
Police Response and Investigation
In response to the series of assaults, officers have imposed a 24-hour section 60 order, granting police enhanced stop and search powers across significant portions of Oldham. Detectives are examining two vehicles parked within a cordon at the car park scene. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman confirmed that the complete circumstances surrounding the attacks remain under investigation, and it is too early to determine whether they are connected.
Det Sgt Jennifer O'Brien from Oldham CID stated, 'Our investigations have begun into what led to all of these serious assaults in such a short space of time and locality, and those living in the local area should expect to see an increased presence whilst we conduct enquiries. I understand that there will be fear amongst the community due to the volume of incidents and their nature, and whilst we haven't yet established if these are linked, we do believe them to be targeted.'
She added, 'Knife crime has no place within Oldham, or Greater Manchester, and our neighbourhood teams alongside the dedicated knife crime team which operates force wide, Op Venture, continue to make many arrests, seizures and proactively disrupt those who wish to commit offences with weapons.' Police are appealing for any information that could help piece together the events or lead to those responsible, with contact details provided for 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.
