Police cordon off street after 'suspected substance' attack as two teenagers arrested

Police cordoned off a street following a suspected substance attack in Eccles on Tuesday afternoon (June 13).

Officers as well as fire crews and paramedics attended the busy scene outside a convenience store on Brookhouse Avenue following the incident.

It has now been confirmed that the victim, a male, who was taken to Salford Royal Hospital, suffered minor injuries. Two boys aged 16 and 17 have been arrested on suspicion of attempted Section 18 Assault.

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The Manchester Evening News understands that the initial report made to police was an 'acid attack' but that tests are still ongoing to identify the substance used. The age of the victim has not been confirmed.

Pictures from social media showed fire crews, paramedics and police at the scene as a cordon was erected outside of the Best One convenience store amid investigations. Emergency services remained at the scene for a number of hours on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Police were called to reports of a suspected substance assault at 3.17pm yesterday (Tuesday 13 June 2023) on Brookhouse Avenue, Eccles.

"The victim was taken to Salford Royal Hospital for treatment on minor injuries, not believed to be life-threatening. A 16-year-old male and a 17-year-old male have been arrested on suspicion of attempted Section 18 assault."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) added: “At shortly before 3.30pm this afternoon (Tuesday, 13 June), two fire engines from Eccles and Irlam fire stations were called to attend an incident on Brookhouse Avenue, Eccles.

“Crews arrived quickly and made the area safe before departing after approximately an