Man stabbed by gang who forced way into his flat

A MAN was stabbed repeatedly after a gang forced their way into a flat.

Police said two vehicles pulled up outside the property, above the Lifestyle Express store in Victoria Avenue, Blackley, at around 6.30pm on Sunday.

A number of offenders got inside the flat, which is close to several small businesses, near the junction of Symond Road.

A 27-year-old man was then stabbed in the arm, leg and chest.

He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The victim was described by neighbours as ‘fairly well-known’ in the area.

A member of staff at Lifestyle Express said they were forced to close the store for more than three hours while police attended.

The shop worker, who asked not to be named, said: “It happened not long after 6pm.

“There were loads of police cars and ambulances everywhere.

“They cordoned off the area round to the side door where you get into the flats. “All I know is that the guy who lives in one of the flats upstairs was stabbed in his leg and taken to hospital in an ambulance. “We know him a bit because he comes in here from time to time. He’s always seemed all right to me. “The police and forensics were here all night going in and out the flat. “We had no option but to close the store for three hours. “We’ve never seen or heard about anything like that happening around here before.” It is believed the attackers searched the flat after knifing the man, but nothing was taken. Detectives are checking CCTV cameras and it is expected that details of the cars used by the gang will be issued at a later date. Officers had lifted the cordon and left the scene by yesterday morning. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said enquiries were ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9908 or 101 – or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111. Shopworker who saw police attend the scene