Detectives want to speak to men over horror attack

POLICE have released CCTV images of men they want to speak to after a group of people waiting for a taxi were attacked with knives and baseball bats.

Seven men were hurt during the incident on Standish Road in Fallowfield.

One person has been convicted, but police are appealing for further information.

In the early hours of Sunday, January 12, a group of men got out of a white VW Golf.

They attacked a group of seven men while they waited for a taxi.

More attackers joined in, using baseball bats and knives.

A total of 15 to 20 men are thought to have been in the group of attackers.

Seven victims were left with serious facial injuries and knife wounds.

The group of attackers were all Asian men, aged in their 20s, police say.

Hamza Haq, of Belvoir Avenue, Longsight, has been convicted of violent disorder; section 47 assault; and possession of a weapon. He is due to sentenced on Monday, September 28.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and section 18 assault. He has since been released under investigation.

Detectives have released images of three men they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Det Con Ann Cooper-Poole, of GMP’s West Didsbury CID, said: “This was a horrifying and unprovoked attack on a group of men who were simply waiting for a taxi home after a night out.

“We appreciate some time has passed since this incident took place but we have been extensively exploring several lines of enquiry to try and identify those who may hold information about this attack.

“I urge anyone who may recognise any of these men to do the right thing and to contact police.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 6063, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.