Six teenage boys arrested following stabbing of 13-year-old in Rochdale town centre

Six teenage boys have been arrested following the stabbing of a 13-year-old in Rochdale town centre over the weekend.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that officers were called out to reports of a ‘serious assault’ near the Riverside Shopping Centre in central Rochdale on Saturday (29 August), and when they arrived on the scene, they found that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed.

The young boy currently remains in hospital receiving treatment, while a police investigation into the incident is open and ongoing.

Two teenage boys were first arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of a bladed article on the same day the incident occurred (29 August), but have since been released on bail.

Officers then made four further arrests yesterday (31 August), again all teenage boys who were arrested on suspicion of assault and possession of a bladed article, with enquires ongoing.

A Section 60 and 60AA ‘stop and search’ authority was introduced in Rochdale town centre following the recent incidents in area and following reports of youths carrying weapons in the locality, and this has now been extended to 3pm today (Tuesday 1 September).

“This was a serious and sustained attack that could have had far more tragic consequences,” explained Detective Superintendent, Richard Hunt .”Our team of experienced detectives is working around the clock to understand exactly what happened, identify all those involved, and secure the strongest possible evidence.

“We will relentlessly pursue every lead available to us and will leave no stone unturned in bringing all those responsible before the courts.

“Community safety remains our absolute priority, and we are committed to ensuring those who seek to bring violence onto our streets are held fully accountable for their actions.”

Read more:

• Police charge and name man after broad daylight stabbing of 19-year-old in Northern Quarter
• Police urgently appeal following triple stabbing in Manchester city centre
• Girl, 14, charged with attempted murder after stabbing at Manchester high school

Can you help? Anyone who witnessed the incident, was in the town centre at the time, or has any mobile phone, CCTV, or dashcam footage, is urged to come forward and speak to police on 101, quoting log 2750 of 29/08/2026, or using the LiveChat function on the GMP website.

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

Featured Image – GMP