Three boys arrested after a stabbing in Manchester city centre have been released on bail, police have confirmed. Officers swarmed the Arndale shopping centre on Tuesday evening (October 27) following reports of a stabbing, with a 13-year-old boy taken to hospital with knife wounds.
Incident at the Arndale
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said officers were called to reports of a stabbing on Market Street, outside the Arndale on Withy Grove, at 7pm. Police taped off a lift in the shopping centre near the Roller's café, while multiple police vehicles, including a forensics van, were seen on High Street and Withy Grove.
Three boys - aged 14, 15 and 16 - were arrested on suspicion of affray. Another boy, aged 13, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article.
Bail and ongoing investigation
In an update issued today (October 29), a GMP spokesperson said three of the boys have since been released on bail. The other remains in hospital.
Superintendent Simon Nasim from GMP's City of Manchester team said: "Firstly my thoughts are with the young boy who was injured and I wish him a quick recovery.
"We are aware of the other incidents in the city centre of this nature, but at this stage they are not thought to be linked. Our communities should not be in fear of harm, and our priority is taking effective action with partners against those involved in anti-social behaviour and criminality.
"Knife crime is understandably a concern amongst our communities, and we have dedicated teams who will be deployed across the city centre to hotspot areas to strengthen our response to violent crime, and provide a reassuring message to our public.
"We will not tolerate hate and violence in GM, and we will take effective action against those who are causing harm to our vulnerable and young communities.
"But we cannot tackle it alone. We rely on the cooperation of the public, to report anything that looks suspicious or any incidents to us, and we will be sure to act on it.
"Our investigation into yesterday's incident is ongoing, I urge anyone with information to please come forward. This includes anyone who may have witnessed it, or has CCTV or mobile phone footage."
Appeal for information
Anyone with information is asked to call GMP on 0161 856 1495, or get in touch via the LiveChat function on their website, quoting log 3058 of 28/10/26. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
