The Northern Ireland victim of the Arndale shopping centre stabbing spree has been pictured.
Teenager Chloe McGurk is now “on the mend”, according to a friend's Facebook post.
She was on what pals called a ‘girly trip’ to Manchester when she was attacked on Friday morning as she shopped.
Witnesses told how the knifeman screamed “I’m going to f*** you up” before carrying out the random attacks.
The 19-year-old, from Glengormley , was one of five people being treated for stab wounds. A 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of terrorism.
He was detained under the Mental Health Act on Friday night.
It was reported on Friday night that Miss McGurk’s injuries are not life-threatening but the incident has left her in a state of shock.
A young woman, believed to be the victim’s friend, said on Facebook : “All we wanted to do was come over to Manchester for a girly weekend but instead the first shopping centre we step into this happens.
“We’re all so shook and can’t for the life of us understand how someone could be so low to do this.
“I can’t get that man’s face and knife out of my head and probably won’t for a very long time.”
The young woman said her pal is “on the mend” and she “thanks everyone for her support”.
She added: “We haven’t left her side and we should hopefully be home within the next few days after interviewing etc for everyone asking.
“Thank yous all for the support we all appreciate it [sic].”
Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said it was a “random” and “brutal” attack.
The attacker was assessed by specialist doctors and compulsorily detained under the act, a police spokesman said on Friday evening.
He added: “The investigation will continue in order to fully understand the motives behind the attack.
“There is not believed to be any wider threat to the communities of Greater Manchester and the attacker is believed to have acted alone.”
A man in his 50s was also taken to hospital with stab wounds, while a woman in her 40s was treated by paramedics at the scene but was not stabbed.
A GMP spokesman said: “All but one have been discharged.”
Boris Johnson tweeted: “Shocked by the incident in Manchester and my thoughts are with the injured and all those affected. Thank you to our excellent emergency services who responded and who are now investigating what happened.”
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