A 30-year-old woman has been detained under the Mental Health Act following the fatal stabbing of a seven-year-old girl in Queens Park, Bolton, on Sunday afternoon. The attack, described by police as 'totally unprovoked and random', occurred while the girl was enjoying a Mother's Day outing with her family.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the woman was initially arrested on suspicion of murder but has since been sectioned. Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson stated: 'The woman arrested yesterday at the scene of the attack on the little girl in Bolton has now been detained under the Mental Health Act. We have informed the family of the woman's detention.'
The girl suffered 'horrendous injuries' and died shortly after the attack, despite efforts from emergency services, including the North West Air Ambulance. Witnesses described seeing the child receiving CPR while two adults stood nearby 'covered in blood'. A member of the public bravely chased and detained the suspect until police arrived.
Police have cordoned off a large section of the park as investigations continue. ACC Jackson emphasised that the criminal investigation remains open, and charges may still be sought in consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service. He added: 'It is hard to describe how terrible this incident was... all of us have this little girl and her family in our thoughts.'
