A man and woman are in hospital with serious stab injuries after a fight broke out today.

Police say they are currently responding to reports of disorder in Great Lever and have been given enhanced stop and search powers.

A cordon is in place near Heywood Park.

They have been taken to hospital for treatment on their injuries, which are serious but not life-threatening.

A 28-year-old man and two women have all been arrested on suspicion of a section 18 assault.

Greater Manchester Police have imposed a Section 60 authority which began at 11.45am today and will last 24 hours.

These temporary additional powers will allow officers to stop and search people across the Bolton area.

Superintendent Danny O'Neil said: “We have stepped up our high-visibility response to this incident, with a section 60 in place and our colleagues from NWAS helping our teams.

“We are pursuing active lines of enquiry and have made good progress in identifying those we believe are involved, having already arrested three people.

“This Section 60 authority has been put in place for 24 hours to keep the public who live and work within Bolton safe. We understand the use of a Section 60 can cause concern to local people; however, we use these powers only when proportionate and necessary.

"The Section 60 is not in place to cause annoyance to the public, it is to prevent any further serious incidents going forward as our main priority is to keep the public safe.”

“Anyone who has any information regarding this incident should contact Greater Manchester Police on 101.”

Greater Manchester Police can also be contacted via gmp.police.uk or 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Information about crime can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.