Two people have been arrested after a man was stabbed in Piccadilly Gardens tonight (Thursday, June 18). Emergency services attended shortly after 7.20pm following reports of a 'large disturbance.'
Incident Details
Officers found a man in his 20s with injuries 'consistent with a knife,' Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. He was taken to hospital for treatment, and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.
A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. A 24-year-old woman has also been arrested on suspicion of affray. They are both currently in custody for questioning.
Witness Account
Tony Farrell, 55, who lives in the Northern Quarter, was passing the Gardens earlier this evening and said he suddenly heard 'sirens coming from all directions.' He said: "I saw a man on the floor. I didn't think much of it at first but then I saw police officers around him, tending to him and giving him first aid. He looked like he was holding his back. Paramedics attended as well and police taped off a big section of the Gardens, near the tram stop. There were detectives there as well. It was just shocking. But it's no surprise. It looks like there's no end to it."
Dispersal Order
A dispersal order has been authorised for Piccadilly Gardens and the surrounding area following the incident. It will be in force until 8.40am tomorrow morning (Friday) and covers Princess Street, Miller Street, Great Ancoats Street, the Mancunian Way, Fairfield Street, and Whitworth Street as well as the Gardens.
Initially, a large section of the Gardens including the track next to Piccadilly Gardens tram stop was taped off. That led to Metrolink services being disrupted. The cordon has now been scaled down with services running again. The Bee Network website says however: "Due to an earlier police incident, we are experiencing a minor delay on the Altrincham, Bury, Ashton, and Eccles Line."
