A man is critically ill in hospital after a triple stabbing in Stockport woodland.
Three people were injured during the broad daylight attack, which happened in a popular dog walking spot in the suburb of Offerton.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to a woodland area off The Fairway, in Offerton, following reports of a stabbing shortly after 4.30pm on Tuesday (September 1).
Enquiries have established that a group of individuals had been involved in an altercation, GMP say. It happened near Castle Hill High School, with a large number of police vehicles parked up outside the school late into the evening.
A man was rushed to hospital with serious injuries where he remains in a critical condition after the fracas unfolded on Tuesday afternoon.
A 21-year-old man who suffered serious injuries also remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Police say a 16-year-old boy was also taken to hospital with minor injuries but has since been discharged.
Two people have been arrested.
They are a 16-year-old boy, arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault, and a 30-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.
Both remain in custody and are due to be questioned.
Police have ramped up patrols in the area in the wake of the attack.
Superintendent Leon Jacobs is calling on any witnesses with information about the stabbing to get in touch with police urgently.
“Three people have been taken to hospital as a result of these stabbings, with one man in a critical condition,” he said.
“I would like to stress to the community that this kind of violent behaviour will not be tolerated and although we currently have two people in custody, our investigation remains very much ongoing to establish the full circumstances behind this incident.
“Residents will see an increased police presence in the area as detectives carry out their enquiries. If you have any concerns at all, please feel free to speak to our officers.
“This woodland is a popular location for dog walkers and this incident occurred in broad daylight, so I am confident there may be a number of witnesses who have valuable information.
"I would urge anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to please contact police as a matter of urgency. Your information could be crucial in helping us to complete our enquiries.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 9629, quoting incident number 1969 of 01/09/2020.
Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
