Bus station knifeman hurts PCSO
A FEMALE PCSO who was injured attempting to tackle a man armed with a knife has been praised for her bravery.
The officer took on the suspect single-handedly as he fled Bury bus station yesterday morning.
The suspect managed to escape, leaving the officer lying in the road where she was covered with coats by members of the public as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Fortunately, GMP said the officer was taken to hospital but suffered only minor injuries.
Head of the Metrolink Danny Vaughan said: “While such incidents are, thankfully, very rare, for those on the tram and at Bury interchange this was obviously pretty worrying.
“Although not seriously hurt, a PCSO was assaulted during this incident, as she sought to protect the public.
“On behalf of our customers I’d like to thank her for that and wish her a full and fast recovery.”
The Mayor Andy Burnham echoed the praise, adding: “The professionalism and courage at Greater Manchester Police was once again on display as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public and deal with this dangerous situation.
“The thoughts of the Deputy Mayor and I are with the brave PCSO who was injured during this appalling incident. I wish her a speedy recovery.
The terrifying incident began at around 10.35am when police received reports of a man armed with a knife threatening passengers at the Radcliffe Metrolink platform.
He boarded a tram to Bury and continued to make threats towards passengers.
A PCSO on routine patrol then encountered the knifeman as he was fleeing the Metrolink station and attempted to detain him.
An eyewitness described the young man as ‘off his head’ and shouting how he was ‘going to get back at everyone who ever wronged him.’ The witness added: “He also brandished a knife. The female officer was injured when she was shoved.”
After injuring the PCSO, the man then fled on foot towards the Millgate shopping centre.
Witnesses said the incident prompted a ‘massive’ police response and officers quickly tracked the suspect to Bell Lane. Police said they used Taser during the arrest of a 30-year-old man on suspicion of affray and assault.
A knife and a screwdriver were recovered at the scene.
The remains in custody for questioning and enquiries are ongoing.
Superintendent Paul Walker, District Commander for Bury, said: “I would like to reassure people that we are treating this as an isolated incident but would urge any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.”