Two 14-year-old boys arrested in connection with a stabbing at the Arndale Centre car park have been released on bail, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed.
Emergency services attended the shopping centre on Saturday afternoon after a 14-year-old boy was attacked. He is believed to have been stabbed on the ninth level of the multi-storey car park and was rushed to hospital from the scene. A GMP spokesperson described his condition as 'stable'.
Arrests and Bail
On Sunday, two 14-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and taken into custody for questioning. In an update issued on Monday, a GMP spokesperson said they had both since been bailed.
Witnesses reported seeing several people run from the shopping centre to the car park in the moments before the attack on Saturday afternoon. Armed officers were seen among several squad cars on High Street, Withy Grove and Dantzic Street. Paramedics used a lift to reach the upper floors of the car park.
Investigation Continues
The ninth floor of the multi-storey car park remained closed late on Saturday night. Forensics investigators were seen gathering evidence, while several parked cars remained stuck within the cordon.
On Monday, Det Insp Sean McFadden of GMP’s City of Manchester district praised passers-by who helped the victim. He said: "Your quick-thinking undoubtedly saved the victim from potentially life-threatening injuries."
Appeal for Information
McFadden added: "We appreciate that incidents of this nature can cause concern and we’d like to reassure the public that we understand this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community. We are committed to investigating all knife crime and bringing offenders to justice, and we are asking for anyone with information about this incident to come forward to assist with our enquiries."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 2050 of October 17 or via the LiveChat function at gmp.police.uk.
