Stop-and-search powers stepped up after stabbing as two arrested

Stop-and-search powers have been stepped up in an area of Bury after an attempted murder probe was launched following a stabbing.

The incident unfolded on Abingdon Avenue in the Whitefield area just after 5pm yesterday (Thursday). Police officers and paramedics raced to the scene following reports of a 'disturbance'.

An 18-year-old male was found with stab injuries to his arm. He was rushed to hospital from the scene in a serious condition.

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A 49-year-old man and an 18-year-old male have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson confirmed in the early hours of Friday morning. Both remain in custody to be quizzed by detectives.

Following the incident, a cordon was put in place on Abingdon Avenue while a forensic tent was erected on nearby Sawley Avenue as forensic officers combed the scene. Eyewitnesses also report seeing an air ambulance land at St Bernadettes Primary School as emergency crews responded.

Detectives believe the attack was 'targeted' with 'no wider threat to the public. Section 60 stop-and-search powers have been stepped up in the area, allowing police to search anyone up until 6pm today.

The powers cover the Sunny Bank, Lilly Hill, Unsworth, Oak Bank, Besses o’ th’ Barn, and Cowlgate Farn areas. Police patrols have also been stepped up.

In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said: "At around 5.05pm today (Thursday 28 March 2024), officers were called to reports of a disturbance on Abingdon Avenue, Whitefield and established an 18-year-old man was stabbed in his arm. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

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