Police are appealing to the public for information after two men were left with “potentially life-threatening” injuries during an incident in Manchester city centre.
After a large police response was spotted by passers-by close to the Northern Quarter early yesterday evening at around 6:30pm, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has now confirmed that officers were responding to reports that two men had been stabbed on Dale Street.
Once emergency services arrived at the scene, the victims – a 20-year-old man and a 30-year-old man – were taken to hospital for treatment of “serious” and “potentially life-threatening injuries” shortly after.
GMP says this is being treated as an isolated incident.
#ARRESTS | Three men arrested as officers respond to an incident in the city centre
We are currently responding to an incident after reports came in at 6.30pm today (16 August 2023) that two men had been stabbed on Dale Street in the city centre.
— Manchester City Centre Police (GMP) (@GMPCityCentre) August 16, 2023
With an investigation currently underway, and a scene still currently believed to be place to help aid police enquiries, GMP has confirmed that three men, all between the ages of 17 and 30, have been arrested on suspicion of assault following the attack.
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Although police believe this to be a “targeted incident”, city centre residents, workers, and visitors should expect to see an increased presence of officers in the coming days.
GMP is also calling on the public to come forward with any information, CCTV, mobile, or dashcam footage that may aid in investigations – with Superintendent Phil Spurgeon, of GMP’s City Centre district, explaining in his appeal: “We are treating this as a targeted incident, however there will be an increased uniformed presence in the city centre to aid the investigation and to provide reassurance to members of the public.
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A video of the scene on Dale Street taken shortly after by a member of the public / Credit: Supplied
“I want to appeal to anyone with information or footage – including CCTV, mobile or dashcam – to share it with the investigation team.
“If you have relevant information, I urge you to report it and help us demonstrate that those who use violence and intimidation have no place on our streets.”
Anyone with any information is asked to report it by calling 101 quoting log number 3244 of 16/8/2023, or doing so via the LiveChat on GMP’s website here.
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Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Greater Manchester’s heritage railway issues statement as it’s forced to cancel services this week
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester’s iconic heritage railway has been forced to cancel its services this weekend due to the heatwave.
In case you hadn’t heard, Amber Extreme Heat warnings and heat-health alerts have been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) through to Thursday this week – with temperatures widely exceeding 35°C nationwide, and in some areas – particularly on the south coast – potentially even reaching 38°C.
Heatwave conditions in the UK are met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold for that location.
It does seem, however, that northern parts of the country – especially the North West – are missing most of the extremely hot conditions.
Current forecasts indicate that the peak temperatures for Greater Manchester this week will be tomorrow and Thursday, with highs of 33°C in the city centre.
Despite not reaching the heights of the south, East Lancashire Railway (ELR) has still had to act in advance and has taken the decision to cancel its scheduled services for the next two days as the forecast is ‘too severe’.
Taking to social media to share its decision today, ELR wrote: “Due to the current weather warning for the UK, the decision has been taken to cancel all services on Wednesday 24th and Thursday 25th June 2026, including the afternoon tea and mid-week luncheon dining experiences.
“The welfare of both staff and customers is paramount to the ELR, and we believe that the risk in the extreme heat that has been forecast is too severe to allow for the running of our ordinary services.”
As things stand, ELR says its current plan is to have services resume with the evening dining train on Friday 26 June, but this will still be ‘subject to review’, and further updates on this will be issued later in the week.
Visitors who have already pre-booked services over the two cancelled days will be contacted via email to have their options explained to them.
“We apologise for any inconvenience,” ELR closed out its statement.
Featured Image – ELR
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TfGM issues safety warning and advice for travelling on public transport during extreme heat wave – including ‘get off’
Daisy Jackson
Transport for Greater Manchester has urged passengers to ‘stay safe’ when travelling as the city braces for an extreme heatwave this week.
As well as issuing some safety advice, TfGM has also warning that delays and disruption are possible across the network as temperatures climb as high as 36ºC on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
Customers are being advised to carry water with them when travelling, and to wear light clothing.
Also included in the travel advice is to ‘get off’ public transport at the next stop if you feel unwell, to seek fresh air.
It’s also advised to allow more time for your journey and to check the latest information and advice before setting off.
And most importantly, passengers are asked to look out for each other, especially those who are vulnerable.
The Bee Network may experience disruption later this week as the overhead lines that power the trams and trains are often adversely affected by high temperatures.
TfGM’s Customer and Growth Director, Fran Wilkinson, said: “Very high temperatures are forecast this week that can affect both people and the transport network.
“We will have staff out to help those who need it, and I would encourage customers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and comfortable while travelling, such as by carrying water, travelling at cooler times of the day and looking out for others.
“Due to the heat, there may be some disruption to Bee Network or local train services and I would encourage people to check for the latest information and advice before making their journey.”
TfGM advice for travelling in heatwave
Carry water and drink plenty of fluids
Avoid travelling during the hottest part of the day where possible
Wear light clothing and stay in the shade
If you feel unwell while travelling, get off at the next stop and seek fresh air
Plan your journey, check for the latest information and advice before setting off and allow extra time to make your journey
Look out for other passengers who may need help, especially those who are more vulnerable
Bee Network staff will be out across the network to help passengers, who can get the latest travel information and advice by checking the website or app.
Emily Sergeant -
17th August 2023 
