Teenager sentenced for stabbing woman in south Manchester street

A teenager has been sentenced to an indefinite hospital order for stabbing a young mother eight times in broad daylight.

The 24-year-old victim was walking with her five-year-old son in Withington, south Manchester, in August 2020 when Hasan Arif, who was 17 at the time, violently attacked her in the early afternoon.

An investigation by GMP’s City of Manchester South CID identified that Arif had followed the victim down residential streets for several minutes armed with a large kitchen knife.

The victim was approached from behind and Arif carried out a frenzied attack with the victim stabbed eight times, leaving her with horrendous injuries.

With the help of a passer-by, she bravely fought off Arif, who made off from the scene and discarded his knife.

Arif was identified the following day after a media appeal and arrested at his home address, where officers recovered key evidence.

Throughout the complex investigation Arif denied any involvement in this frightening attack.

In April 2023, Arif (25/07/2003), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to section 18 assault and possession of a bladed article at Manchester Crown Court.

Arif was sentenced today (9 June 2023) at Minshull Street Crown Court.

During sentencing, the victim read out her Victim Impact Statement.

She told the court that she was still having 'panic attacks' and needs regular treatment for her injuries.

She said: "Since the attack I just feel paranoid, and I am more cautious of people in general.

"Just like I did immediately after the attack, I still have panic attacks regularly when I am out of my house, often thinking that someone is going to attack me or my son.

"This was not something that I have ever felt or had to deal with previously.  I was never scared to leave my house, be outside or worry about what people may do to me.

"I would have previously described myself before as being fearless.

"However, now if anyone is walking behind me when I am outside, I will have heart palpitations, my hands go sweaty, and I have to take measures to calm myself down just to carry on."

Detective Constable Beth Coffey, who led the investigation for Greater Manchester Police, said: “Arif followed his victim for a couple of roads – he then produced a knife from his rucksack and began attacking her, stabbing her eight times.

“He aimed his blows at the victim’s stomach and chest area. However, as she fell to the ground, she managed to kick out to protect herself and this resulted in all the wounds being on her legs.

"This incident has had a huge and lasting effect on both the victim and witnesses, and they showed extraordinary bravery.

 "The conviction today is a result of the victim’s strength and courage after what was a horrific and frenzied attack.”

• If you carry a knife or weapon, we urge you to surrender it at one of our 13 Forever Amnesty bins located across Greater Manchester - you can find the location of your nearest bin at Forever Amnesty | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk).
• To report an incident to GMP, please call the Police on 101 or talk to us via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Reports and concerns can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.fearless.org.