An "unknown substance" was thrown over a man and child in Prestwich this afternoon, Friday, after an "altercation" outside a taxi rank.

A police cordon was set up outside Magnum Whiteline taxis, after emergency services were called to Poppythorn Lane at around 12.50pm.  

An air ambulance was also spotted near the area.

Crime scene investigators were also in attendance and took a pink bin bag, which looked to contain clothes, away with them.  

It was later discovered that the substance was not noxious and the victims were examined as a precaution. 

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “At around 12.50pm today, Friday, officers were called to reports of an unknown substance being thrown on two pedestrians on Poppythorn Lane in Prestwich. 

“Emergency services attended the scene to conduct medical assessments of the two victims and a thorough examination of the scene.   

”Initial enquiries suggest an altercation occurred between two men outside a taxi rank, the suspect then got into a taxi and threw an unknown substance over the man and his child. 

“This is believed to be an isolated incident and this individual does not pose a wider public threat. 

“Officers are also now able to confirm the substance thrown on the victims is not noxious and the victims were medically examined at the scene as a precautionary measure. 

“If you have any information regarding this incident or have any CCTV footage, please contact GMP on 101 or www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 1460 of February 10. 

“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” 

LIVE: Emergency services on Bury New Road, Prestwich

One man in the area said: "I saw two people fighting to get into a taxi near Farmfoods and then someone chucked something all over the other person." 

The Bolton News: Police in Prestwich Police in Prestwich (Image: Newsquest)

A woman said: “I was picking my children up from school when they started to ring me to say something was going on. 

“When I got out of the car I heard the helicopter. 

“I'm not sure what happened but it looks serious for there the be so many police around.” 

The Bolton News: Police in Prestwich Police in Prestwich (Image: Newsquest)

 

The Bolton News: Police in Prestwich Police in Prestwich (Image: Newsquest)