Officers are stepping up patrols on the Bury Metrolink line after a 15-year-old was attacked in a 'targeted and isolated' assault.
Police descended on Radcliffe 's Metrolink stop, on Spring Street, just before 7pm on Sunday night (October 10) after reports of a disturbance involving two large groups of young people.
A number of officers attended and found a 15-year-old boy had been assaulted with a sharp weapon, causing a deep cut to his head.
Greater Manchester Police says the teenager's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening or altering, and he remains in hospital for treatment.
Three boys, all aged 15, were arrested nearby on Belgrave Street a short time later on suspicion of assault, and remain in custody for questioning.
Witnesses told the Manchester Evening News they saw a large police presence in the area after a 'gang of at least 30' sparked horrific scenes at the Metrolink station.
Enquiries are ongoing and additional police patrols remain in the area, as residents are being urged to come forward with any information about the attack.
Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, from GMP's Bury neighbourhood team, said: "We are aware this incident will have led to some concerns among people living in area, and we want to reassure them that we're thoroughly investigating the circumstances around what happened, and working to bring those responsible to justice.
"This kind of behaviour is unacceptable and we will not tolerate the carrying of weapons or violence, and I hope our latest arrests hammer home this message. It's just fortunate that on this occasion, no-one was more seriously hurt.
"We believe this was a targeted incident, however officers from the Bury district working alongside our transport unit and Metrolink colleagues will be conducting targeted patrols in the area and on the Metrolink lines, including Besses and Whitefield interchanges.
"I would like to ask anyone who may have witnessed this incident to come forward with information, including anyone that may have captured any footage on dashcams, CCTV or mobile phones, as even the smallest bit might assist our investigation."
An eyewitness described the moment a group of at least 30 youths 'pulled out weapons on a rival group' to the M.E.N.
She said the gang - some 'masked-up' and some wearing balaclavas - started running around before pulling out 'shiny objects' and an item that 'resembled a machete'.
"They just started chasing after people then one lad got whacked on the back of the head with a bottle," she said.
"They attacked him while he was on the floor."
The witness - who the M.E.N. is keeping anonymous - believed that one gang of youths was waiting at the station for another rival group who got off the tram, adding: "I think there has been some sort of ongoing rivalry. There's obviously bad blood there."
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) says the incident is believed to be 'targeted and isolated', and passengers are being told to expect additional patrols on the Bury Metrolink line.
Kate Green, TravelSafe manager at TfGM, said: “This was a serious incident involving groups of youths, some armed with weapons, and it’s fortunate that someone was not more seriously injured, or worse.
“Bury is currently an area of focus for us, the police and our partners, and will continue to be.
“Anyone using local tram or bus services on Friday will probably have seen a very visible presence as part of a TravelSafe special operation, and there will be further additional patrols by Metrolink staff and police following this incident.
“We know people will be concerned by what happened, but I’d like to reassure them that we believe this to be a targeted and isolated incident.
“Metrolink has hundreds of cameras on its trams, at its stops and car parks, and I would like to warn anyone involved in the violent disorder on Sunday evening that their actions and identities have been recorded on CCTV.”
Anyone with information can get in touch with GMP using LiveChat on the force's website, or call 0161 856 8172, quoting log 2852 of October 10, 2021.
Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
