Police ‘stop and search’ powers authorised following double stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens

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GMP officers in Manchester city centre at night / Credit: GMP (via Facebook)

Section 60 ‘stop and search’ powers have been introduced in Manchester following a double stabbing in Piccadilly Gardens last night.

Beginning this morning (Thursday 3 July) and set to be in place for 24 hours, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has authorised a section 60 in the city centre, with powers effective on Ring Road between Great Ancoats Street and Trinity Way, and Irwell Street between Trinity Way and New Quay Street.

Police will have the right to stop and search anyone they have suspicions over within the area during the authorised time frame.

The section 60 powers come under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, and after having run for the full 24 hours, is set to expire at 12:53am on Friday 4 July 2025.

The section 60 authority comes after GMP says it received multiple calls of an ‘ongoing disturbance’ where weapons were ‘seen and had potentially been used’ in Piccadilly Gardens, and when officers attended the scene, they found two men – one in his 20s and another in his 30s – both with stab wounds.

Both men remain in hospital at this time – with one receiving ongoing treatment, and the other remaining in critical condition.

No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigations are ongoing.

“The Section 60 authority put in place overnight gives officers additional powers which will be utilised to prevent any further incidents or the carrying of weapons,” commented Chief Inspector Rob MacGregor, from GMP’s City Centre division.

“There will be a significant presence of officers, particularly on foot patrol in the area today.

“If you have any concerns or any information, then please speak to those officers who will reassure and respond to any queries.”

CI MacGregor added that Section 60 powers are ‘crucial’ to preventing potential further offences or instances of violence in the community.

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Anyone with information or footage relating to this incident is urged to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 71 of 03/07/2025, or report it via the LiveChat online at www.gmp.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – GMP