GMP up powers in Bury after third knife attack in four days as violence between rival gangs escalates

A third knife incident in four days in the Bury area has led to an extension of stop and search powers for police. The move comes after a triple stabbing on Monday in the town centre, an attempted knifing at Whitefield Metrolink on Wednesday and another incident last night. All three are believed to be linked, say police.

The latest clash was on Parkhills Road in the Redvales area, near to Holy Cross College at 8.40pm last night. It involved a group of males with knives. No one was injured but a 40-year-old man and three 16-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in police custody for questioning.

The spree of violence began at about 12.15pm on Monday when three teenagers were stabbed off Murray Road near Bury Market. In connection with that incident, two 17-year-old boys and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder in connection with the attack, which left three people requiring hospital treatment, and later bailed. A fourth boy, aged 17, was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault before being released with no further action.

Separately, Greater Manchester Police says a knife was 'lunged' at someone at the Whitefield Metrolink station, at around 11pm on Wednesday night. The target was stepping off a tram when the knifeman went for him then ran off.

A number of Section 60 orders have been imposed in Bury town centre following Monday's attack, giving police extra powers to stop and search members of the public. Orders also cover seven Metrolink stations, at Bury, Radcliffe, Whitefield, Besses o' th' Barn; Prestwich, Heaton Park, and Bowker Vale, and Whitefield town centre.

They were all due to end at 2pm this afternoon but have been extended for another 24