Burnham: It appears to be an isolated incident but remain vigilant...
THE suspected terror attack at Victoria station has ‘all the hallmarks’ of an isolated incident, Greater Manchester’s mayor has said.
Armed police will remain at the city centre station today following a triple stabbing on New Year’s Eve.
Andy Burnham said people must ‘remain vigilant’ after the ‘vile’ attack but should continue to go about their daily business.
A couple aged in their 50s and a police officer were all injured during the violent and ‘frenzied’ attack on the station platform just before 9pm.
A terrorist investigation is ongoing and police are scouring the station, CCTV and a house in Cheetham Hill as part of their enquiries.
Mr Burnham say government ministers have promised their support during the investigation.
Speaking during a press conference outside the station, Mr Burnham praised British Transport Police, Greater Manchester Police and counter terrorism officers for their quick response.
“[This] was a vile attack on families seeking to enjoy New Year’s Eve,” he said.
“A couple were injured alongside a police sergeant. They are in our thoughts and we wish them a speedy recovery.
“It could have been much more serious if not for the outstanding bravery from British Transport Police who were instantly on the scene.”
Mr Burnham says he has spoken to the Security Minister Ben Wallace and will be working closely with the government. “It has all the hallmarks and appears to be an isolated incident, but people do need to remain vigilant – but they should continue to go about their daily business,” he said. The mayor added: “Manchester is strong, united and we won’t let anybody to divide us we will continue to work closely with colleagues in government.
“It was a horrendous attack at a time when everybody was heading into town.” Praising the response of the BTP officers, Manchester council leader Sir Richard Leese said: “Manchester is still together, we won’t let attacks get in the way of being a happy, healthy city.
“The station behind us – 10 million people use it every year. The risk of an attack is very low indeed.”
Mr Wallace tweeted: “While many were out enjoying themselves last night Transport police & GM police @BTP @gmpolice did a fantastic job containing the incident at Manchester Victoria Station. We should be proud our police, often unarmed, do what they do.” A man suffered multiple stab wounds while a woman suffered a wound to her forehead during the ‘random’ attack at the station on Monday night A British Transport Police officer who raced to their aid was stabbed in the shoulder and has since been released from hospital. The couple are expected to remain in hospital for some time, however their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
The station behind us – 10 million people use it a year. The risk of an attack is very low indeed Sir Richard Leese