Two men have been stabbed after violent disorder broke out in Manchester city centre.
Shortly before 4.35am this morning, Monday 30 May 2016, police were called by North West Ambulance Service to Deansgate, at the junction of Queen Street, after two men had suffered stab wounds.
Police believe fighting had broken out between two groups outside the Press Club, during which two men received stab wounds, but when officers arrived the group had dispersed.
One man, aged 29, was taken to hospital where he is being treated for stab wounds to the abdomen, and he remains in a critical condition.
The second man, aged 26, is being treated in hospital for a serious stab wound to the arm.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward.
Deansgate is closed off from John Dalton Street to Lloyd Street/Hardman Street whilst police enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Adrian Gallagher of City of Manchester Team said: “We have been carrying out significant enquiries to establish what exactly has happened here that has led to two men lying seriously injured in hospital.
“Initial reports have suggested that there was some sort of violent altercation a short time prior to police being called.
“Given the time and location, it is possible that there may have been a number of witnesses to what happened, perhaps going home after a night out, and I would urge them to please come forward and contact police.
“I am asking for anyone that was in this area around the time of the incident, to please call us if you saw either of these groups of men, or if you saw the altercation itself.”
Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 6075 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
