Great Lever stabbing: Residents' fear after 2 stabbed

The incident on High Street - close to Bobby Heywood Park - happened at 10.54am today, and police have since been given extra stop and search powers in the area, with a cordon still in place.

Patrols have also been stepped up patrols in the area.

One resident in the area close to where the incident took place says he is ‘lost for words’, and that he heard and saw something late last night.

• ALSO READ: Police investigation after man and woman stabbed

It has not yet been confirmed whether what he saw yesterday is linked to what happened today though.

He said: “I am lost for words and hope those hurt will be okay.

“I heard something last night and could see something happening outside of my window at about 9.30pm.”

Other locals say they were “shocked” and “surprised”, expressing their concern over what has happened.

One resident said: "I am shocked and surprised at that something has happened in the area.
"Bolton is supposed to be a nice place."

A dog walker added: “I have lived in the area for 15 years and I have not had any trouble mostly.

“I know it’s not a great area, but you don’t get things like this all the time.

"It's not good to know something has happened here.”

@theboltonnews Police have been given extra temporary powers following a stabbing in #greatlever ♬ original sound - The Bolton News

Another person who lives near to where the cordon was in place said it made her feel ‘scared’ to know what had happened.

An air ambulance also landed just before 11.30am at Bobby Heywood Park, and they provided “care at the scene” whilst two people were taken to hospital by road.

They are said to be receiving treatment on their injuries, which are serious but not life-threatening.

Air ambulance in Bobby Heywood Park (Image: Newsquest)A spokesperson for NWAS said: "We have responded to a police incident on High Street and have taken two patients to hospital by road.
"An air ambulance crew also provided care at the scene along with two ambulance crews and two senior paramedics."

Cllr Rabiya Jiva, Bolton Council - cabinet member for stronger communities - said: "I am fully aware on the incident, and it's important the community support the police in doing their jobs to keep communities safe."

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

The Section 60 authority began at 11.45am today and will last 24 hours.

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.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.