A terror suspect who is arrested over a knife attack on three people in Manchester is detained under mental health laws.
A 25-year-old is being held on suspicion of murder after the stabbing of three people on New Years Eve at Manchester Victoria railway station. Police said there was nothing that suggests others are involved.
Manchester Victoria Station
Officers have been praised for their “fearless” response in containing the attacker with pepper spray and tasers. Six to seven officers detained the man who was seen as very aggressive.
In a statement for the Manchester Victoria investigation, Manchester police said the suspect “has been assessed by specialist medical staff and detained under the Mental Health Act.”
The victims were stabbed at around 21:00 GMT and were taken to a nearby hospitals with serious but not life-threatening injuries. A woman in her 50s suffered injuries to her face and stomach, whilst a man also in his 50s had also suffered injuries to his stomach. A male police officer was also stabbed in the shoulder.
Officers raided a house on Schoolside Close, a mile north of Manchester city centre.
The Mental Health Act states:
- Police officers can take someone who they believe is in need of immediate care or control to a place of safety (a hospital or, sometimes, a police station) and detain them under Section 136 of the act
- People detained under the Mental Health Act need urgent treatment and are at risk of harm to themselves or others
- The detained person is then assessed by an approved mental health professional and a doctor and can be held for up to 72 hours – during which time a decision will be made as to whether further detention (of up to six months) under the act is necessary
- Detention under the act means someone can be medically treated against their will, but protects them from being questioned by police, as they are deemed unfit for interview
Source: NHS
Greater Manchester Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said (01/01/2019): “Last night we experienced an horrific attack on people out to simply enjoy the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Manchester. My thoughts are with the couple who are still being treated in hospital for their serious injuries and with the brave British Transport Police officer who was also stabbed during the attack.
“I know that the events last night will have affected many people and caused concern. That the incident happened so close to the scene of the terrorist attack on 22 May 2017 makes it even more dreadful. Let me give you the details of what happened last night.
“Just before 9pm the British Transport Police officers at Victoria Train Station responded to a man armed with a knife and swiftly detained him. The officers acted with incredible bravery in tackling the armed attacker at the busy Metrolink station and ensured he was immediately detained. He remains in custody here in Manchester.
“We are treating this as a terrorist investigation which is being led by counter terrorism officers with support from Greater Manchester Police. They were working throughout the night to piece together the details of what happened and to identify the man who was arrested.
“This detailed work will continue and we are currently searching an address in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester which is believed to be where the man had most recently been living. Our work will continue to ensure we get to the full facts of what happened and why it took place.
“I would ask anyone with footage to send it to FIB@gmp.police.uk and if they have any information that might assist the investigation to contact us on 0161 856 3400.”
