TERROR AT VICTORIA
Man detained under Mental Health Act Stabbed couple in serious condition Terrorism probe on-going, say police
TERROR police are still searching a property in connection with a ‘frenzied’ triple stabbing at Manchester Victoria station.
A 25-year-old man arrested following the incident was assessed by specialist medical staff and detained late last night under the Mental Health Act.
The counter-terrorism investigation remained ongoing, said police.
A spokesman said there was nothing to suggest the involvement of other people but confirmed it remained ‘a main priority’ for the investigation.
The search of the address in Cheetham Hill was continuing.
A couple and a British Transport Police officer were all injured during an attack on New Year’s Eve just before 9pm.
The man and woman, both aged in their 50s and from Manchester, suffered multiple stab wounds and are both in a serious condition in hospital.
They are expected to remain there for some time, though their injuries are not believed to life-threatening.
A BTP officer suffered a stab wound to the shoulder during the attack, but has since been released from hospital. A suspect was tackled by officers, who used a Taser and ‘incapacitating spray’ to arrest him.
A 25-year-old man was held on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in custody being quizzed by detectives.
Police said two knives have been recovered from the scene but it is not yet known if both were involved in the attack.
Counter terror officers are searching an address on Schoolside Close in Cheetham Hill.
Giving details of the attack, Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said BTP officers responded to an armed man with a knife and ‘swiftly detained him’ just before 9pm.
He said: “The officers acted with incredible bravery in tackling the armed attacker at the busy Metrolink station and ensured he was immediately detained. He remains in custody here in Manchester.
“We are treating this as a terrorist investigation which is being led by counter terrorism officers with support from Greater Manchester Police. They were working throughout the night to piece together the details of what happened and to identify the man who was arrested.
“This detailed work will continue and we are currently searching an address in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester which is believed to be where the man had most recently been living. Our work will continue to ensure we get to the full facts of what happened and why it took place.”
Chief Constable Hopkins added: “We experienced a horrific attack on people out to simply enjoy the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Manchester. My thoughts are with the couple who are still being treated in hospital for their serious injuries and with the brave British Transport Police officer who was also stabbed during the attack.
“I know that the events will have affected many people and caused concern. That the incident happened so close to the scene of the terrorist attack on 22 May, 2017, makes it even more dreadful.”
Prime minister Theresa May has offered her support to the victims of the attack.
She tweeted: “My thoughts are with those who were injured in the suspected terrorist attack in Manchester.
“I thank the emergency services for their courageous response.”
Anyone with footage from last night’s incident is asked to send it to FIB@gmp. police.uk and if they have any information that might assist the investigation to contact Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 3400.