Police appeal for witnesses following attack on two Greater Manchester Police officers with a knife in Old Trafford

At around 4pm on Wednesday 26 July 2023, police became aware of a moped driving erratically and attempted to stop the vehicle which made off.

A short time later, the moped was located near the junction of Wood Road and Upper Chorlton Road in South Manchester, having been involved in a road traffic collision.

Whilst the two officers were responding to this incident, another man, who is at this time being treated as possibly unconnected to collision, is reported to have approached the officers and assaulted them with a knife.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a serious assault of both officers and remains in police custody for questioning.

Detectives are now appealing for witnesses who were in the vicinity of Wood Road or anyone who may have any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage, to come forward to police.

Detective Inspector Gary Kelly from the City of Manchester, who is leading the investigation said: “Firstly, I would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident, and we are confident that there is no wider risk to the community.

“The 26-year-old man we arrested at the scene remains in custody, and enquiries are still ongoing.

“The officers involved in this unprovoked attack have received injuries which are thankfully not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. They have been treated by healthcare professionals and are being supported by specialist officers, we would like to wish them a speedy recovery.

“We are trying to establish a timeline of events of the suspects movements, and we are exploring all lines of enquiry to to understand why this incident happened.

“If you have any footage in your possession or witnessed the incident, we ask that you contact us on 0161 856 6063, via 101 or through the independent charity – Crimestoppers – anonymously on 0800 555 111.