A "melee" involving knives and machetes between two groups of "males" led to a stabbing which has left a fighting for his life, police have said in a fresh update.

Emergency services were called after an 18-year-old man was stabbed on Sawley Avenue in Whitefield at around 5.05pm on Thursday.

He collapsed on Abingdon Avenue minutes later, and remains in a critical condition in intensive care after he was given CPR.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has set up a major incident public portal as part of the investigation as the force appeals for information from the public and has released further details of the attack.

The violence unfolded after two groups of "three males" began fighting on Sawley Avenue.

Bury Times:

On the public portal, a GMP spokesperson states: “On Thursday at 5.01pm three males are seen on Sawley Avenue, walking towards Rufford Drive. One male is on a bike, the other two are walking.

"They meet a group of three other males and a melee occurs. During this three or four of the males are seen to have weapons, knives and machetes and are swinging them at the opposing group. Four out of the six males leave Sawley Avenue along an alley onto Milton Close and then down Abingdon Avenue.

Bury Times: Police on scene

"At the bottom of Abingdon, an 18-year-old male collapses onto the floor due to heavy blood loss from a cut to his left arm.

"CPR is administered and he is then taken to MRI where he remains in intensive care.

"We are asking for witnesses to help identify the four unknown males.

"Any witness who saw the incident, any CCTV, dashcam footage, Ring door bell or phone footage of the incident."

A 49-year-old man and an 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

The 18-year-old remains in police custody and the 49-year-old man has been bailed with strict conditions.

Police have also said a 16-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but was released under investigation.

Detective Inspector Charlotte Whalley said: “I would like to thank the community for their patience during this investigation, our priority is to keep people safe, and we are working hard to establish the full facts that led to this incident occurring.

“I want to reassure everyone, that we are doing our everything we possibly can to bring those responsible for this incident to justice.

“Extra patrol officers have been deployed, both on foot and in patrol cars.

“These officers are there to keep you safe, if you have any concerns, they will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to any of your queries.

“We are continuing to ask for information from anyone who may have been in the area at the time – or may have dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage to please contact GMP on 101 quoting log 2566 of 28/03/2024.

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

Information can be provided via the police portal.

Click "Submit Your Information Here" on the page if you have any information.

Alternatively, contact 101 and quote incident ref. 2566 - 280324.

The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

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