Knife-fight victims go home
THREE men injured after a knife fight broke out in the Northern Quarter have been discharged from hospital.
The brawl broke out after two groups of people were seen chasing each other on Brewer Street, behind the Urban Exchange retail park on Great Ancoats Street.
Police were called to the scene at around 6pm on Wednesday. Three men were taken to hospital.
It was initially believed the trio may be suffering from life-threatening injuries, but a police spokesman said their injuries are no longer serious.
They have all since been discharged. The police spokesman added no arrests have been made in connection with the investigation.
Brewer Street remained sealed off in both directions, from Port Street to China Lane, until 8.30am yesterday.
Police cordons had been placed on Great Ancoats Street, with one lane closed.
A large black 4x4 vehicle could be seen within the centre of the cordon.
Eyewitnesses told the M.E.N. they saw a man being attacked and pushed into the road by a gang of around six to eight attackers.
One witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I was just on the corner of Tariff Street and Brewer Street – there were these youths making a noise down towards the canal.
“It sounded like they were just being boisterous at first.
“The lad that got stabbed – they pushed him in the road in front of a car, but it was going too slow to hit him.
“Then one of them jumped on him and punched him, then another one took over and kicked him in the head, they were attacking him on the floor. Then I realised they were stabbing him, blood just squirted out of his leg. Round the corner there was another injured guy behind a parked car, off Tariff Street.”
A police spokesman said in a statement: “Police were called shortly after 6pm on Wednesday, November 21,to a report of men being chased on Brewer Street, Manchester city centre.
“It is believed a group of men pursued a second group of men before assaulting them with unknown weapons
“Three men attended hospital with potentially life-threatening injuries.
“Scenes were in place on Great Ancoats street, Brewer Street and Dale Street while investigations continue. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Any witnesses or anyone with further information can contact GMP on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.