Police are urgently appealing for information and witnesses following several people being stabbed in Bury town centre earlier this week.
It comes after three teenagers have been arrested following the distressing incident.
In case you hadn’t heard about the series of events, officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports that three males had been stabbed in Bury town centre, close to the world-famous Bury Markets site.
The shocking incident happened in broad daylight at around 12:15pm on Monday afternoon (11 March 2024).
Police issue urgent appeal after three teens are arrested following Bury town centre stabbings / Credit: GMP
Once emergency services arrived on the scene, they did, indeed, find three males who’d sustained stab wounds, and they were subsequently rushed to hospital shortly after – although thankfully, their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
ADVERTISEMENT
Two of the three males have since been released from hospital, police have confirmed, but the third is still being kept in.
Since the incident, officers from GMP’s Bury district have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of Section 18 assault, who has since been released with no further action, while another 17-year-old male and a 16-year-old male have been arrested on suspicion of violent disorder, and are still in police custody.
ADVERTISEMENT
#ARREST | At around 12.15pm yesterday afternoon (Monday 11 March 2024), officers were called to reports that three males had been stabbed in #Bury town centre.
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault.
— Bury North Police (GMP) (@GMPBuryNorth) March 12, 2024
Section 60 powers are also currently in place until 6:30pm this evening (13 March) covering areas of the town centre to help prevent further incidents, meaning officers will be able to stop and search anyone without suspicion in these areas during this time.
Police have revealed they believe the incident was a “targeted attack”.
“We believe this incident was a targeted attack, and thankfully no one has suffered life-threatening injuries,” commented Detective Chief Inspector John Charlton, of GMP’s Bury division.
ADVERTISEMENT
Section 60 ‘stop and search’ powers are currently in place in the above area until 6:30pm this evening / Credit: GMP
He continued: “There is not a threat to the wider public, and we also believe this was an isolated incident. You may see heightened patrols in the local area, but don’t be alarmed by this, as our officers are there to help, support and reassure the wider community.”
With a police investigation having now been opened and enquiries ongoing, GMP has issued an urgent public appeal, and is asking anyone with information to make a report to police – with this also extending to anyone who may have relevant footage, including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell, or dashcam footage.
You can make a report by calling 101 and quoting 1338 of 11/03/2024.
Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – GMP
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
Emily Sergeant -
13th March 2024 
