Update: 19-year-old arrested in connection with Ashton machete attack

A man has been arrested in connection with yesterday's stabbing which took place in the Aldi car park on Dean Street, Ashton-under-Lyne.

The 19-year-old was arrested in Oldham on suspicion of violent disorder and remains in custody for questioning.

At 2.10pm yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 7 February 2024), Greater Manchester Police received reports that a man had been stabbed on Dean Street, Ashton-under-Lyne.

One bystander said: "We parked just next to the police car and saw a small crowd of around 10 gathered. The police officer had a large - I would say a foot long blade - machete knife.

"I was shocked and thought how naive I must be as I just imagined stabbings were kitchen knife type incidents. Another man then picked up a soft cover for the knife that had been dropped and handed it to the police officer.

"The officer spoke to witnesses and I asked one if anyone had been hurt. She told me it was two young men who were arguing. One was on a bike and the other on foot.

"One ran away and the other chased in the direction of Lilly’s Indian restaurant/the bus station. People had phone footage and were giving it to the police."

Another witness said she saw an attendant in the bus station "mopping up a lot of blood".

"We saw a police car first driving around the bus station, as we got inside I noticed a trail of blood leading up to the ticket desk where there was a large pool of blood and lots more blood at the top entrance of the bus station," she said.

"As we crossed over at the lights there were a further four police cars circling the area."

Detective Inspector Christopher Dean, of GMP’s Tameside district, said: "We hope that by making this arrest that the community, which has been understandably shocked and unsettled by this incident, will feel reassured that we have a team of detectives who are working round the clock to ensure that the investigation is moving at pace.

“We believe at this time that it was an isolated incident with no threat to the wider public.

"Since the incident, we have ensured there are more officers in the area, both on foot and in vehicles, in uniform and in plain clothes, these officers are here to provide reassurance to the communities they serve.

"Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate violence of any form and we will continue to work together with partners to achieve this.

"Even though we have made an arrest, this is very much an ongoing investigation, and we are appealing to the public to come forward with information.

“The incident happened just after 2pm, and there would have been people out and about, we are now appealing to anyone who may have seen anything or witnessed any suspicious behaviour to come forward.

"I am particularly keen for mobile phone or dashcam footage - please contact GMP on 0161 856 9262 or 101 quoting the reference number 1840 of 7/2/2023, information can also be reported via gmp.police.uk.

"Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”