Man Detained Following Two Linked Stabbings in Bolton
Greater Manchester Police have detained a man after two stabbings occurred within minutes of each other on Tonge Moor Road in Bolton. The incidents, which police are treating as linked, took place on Tuesday, April 21, with one attack captured on video inside a local cafe and widely shared on social media platforms.
Details of the Cafe Attack
The first stabbing occurred on Tonge Moor Road, where a man sustained a superficial wound. Shortly afterward, a second attack unfolded at The Deli cafe on the same road. Viral footage from the cafe shows an individual calmly approaching a seated customer before producing a knife.
The customer at The Deli managed to fight off the assailant and disarm him. Following the confrontation, the attacker was seen standing calmly before sitting down inside the establishment. The victim's injuries were reported as not life-threatening by the Manchester Evening News.
Police Response and Investigation
Greater Manchester Police officers responded to the scene around 10:30 AM, finding two men with stab wounds who received medical treatment. A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples from GMP's Bolton district stated, "We have a man detained and officers are conducting extensive enquiries as part of a comprehensive investigation." He emphasized that this is being treated as an isolated incident with no wider threat to the community.
Police have acknowledged the viral video circulating online and have deployed extra patrols in the area to address community concerns. DCI Sharples encouraged residents to speak with officers if they have any worries.
Community and Business Response
In a Facebook post, a spokesperson for The Deli cafe confirmed the incident had "spilled into our premises" but assured customers and staff were safe and assisting police with their investigation. The business expressed gratitude to the customer who helped during the attack, promising him free orders for life.
Neither victim knew their attacker, according to police reports. The Manchester Evening News understands the detained man was initially sectioned under the Mental Health Act but was later deemed fit for interview by authorities.
GMP continues to investigate the linked stabbings while maintaining a visible presence in the Bolton community to provide reassurance following the disturbing incidents.
