A woman in her 20s has died after being stabbed in Newton Heath, with three people arrested. Emergency services were called to Dorking Avenue at 2am on October 15 following reports of a disturbance.
Residents describe night of chaos
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, residents said they were woken by a commotion involving vehicles. One resident, speaking anonymously, told of hearing screams that made her rush downstairs and open the front door of her house on Briscoe Lane.
"It woke me up," they told the MEN. "I heard shouting and screaming. I went outside and saw all the police."
They added: "They arrested a man, I couldn't see what he looked like because it was dark. They dragged him out of a car after he tried to drive into a police van."
Scene cordoned off
Later that morning, several streets were closed off by police, including Edmonton Road and a section of Briscoe Lane. Cordons were also placed around Staplehurst Road where a forensic tent was erected. Behind the cordon on Edmonton Road, a damaged white Volkswagen Up was surrounded with forensics markers.
One resident whose sleep was disturbed said: "It woke us all up - it started round there [Edmonton Road] ended down there [Briscoe Ln]."
Another resident, who woke up to police on her doorstep, said: "Believe it or not, I was telling my friend the other day that this is a quiet area. So, this has come as a bit of a shock. I've lived here 30 years and the worst thing we've had was a shooting a long time ago. Apart from that, it's usually quiet."
Investigation underway
By lunchtime, news had broken of an investigation launched following the death of the woman. The revelation elicited reactions of disbelief and empathy among those living nearby. One passer-by described the incident as 'heavy', while another woman said: "that poor woman."
Greater Manchester Police says officers found a woman, aged in her 20s, with serious injuries consistent with a stabbing. She was pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of emergency services.
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder. Officers have also arrested a 61-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three suspects remain in custody for questioning.
Detective Inspector Paul Costello, from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "Firstly, my thoughts go out to the victim's family, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. Formal identification has not yet been conducted, but the believed family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers."
"This was an awful and tragic attack, but I would like to reassure the community that we have three people in our custody, and my team are working tirelessly to identify anyone else who may have been involved. There will be a significant police presence in the area, and multiple scenes are in place whilst our investigations continue. I urge anyone who may be able to help with our enquiries to please come forward."
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident - or has mobile phone, CCTV, or doorbell footage - is urged to call police on 0161 856 5464 or use the LiveChat function on GMP's website. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. A Major Incident Public Portal has also been launched.
