Tackling the scourge of knife crime is a “top priority” after two men were injured in suspected stabbings last week, town hall leaders say.

The two incidents, which are not believed to be linked, happened within just 24 hours of each other.

The first was reported on the Pewfist, Westhoughton at around 11.40pm last Wednesday, while the second followed on Church Road, Kearsley at around 3.30pm the next day.

Bolton Council cabinet member for stronger communities Cllr Rabiya Jiva said: "Even a single incident of knife crime in our community is one too many, but to have what appears to be two in the space of 24 hours is even more concerning.

"I'd like to assure people that getting knives out of people's hands, especially our young people's hands, and off our streets will always be one of our top priorities.”

The scene on The Pewfist, Westhoughton The scene on The Pewfist, Westhoughton (Image: Public)

After the first suspected stabbing in Westhoughton, Greater Manchester Police confirmed that they had been called to a “serious assault” and that a man in his 20s was taken to hospital.

They said that he had “serious injuries that are thankfully not believed to be life-threatening.”

After the incident in Kearsley, police and an air ambulance were both reported at the scene that after noon around Church Road.

An air ambulance near Church Road, Kearsley An air ambulance near Church Road, Kearsley (Image: Newsquest)

Officers later confirmed that they had been called to “reports of a stabbing” and that a man had been injured in this incident as well.

As of Thursday they said that the extent of his injuries were not known.

Detectives are now investigating both incidents and Cllr Jiva, who’s role covers policing and public safety, says that more will be done to tackle knife crime in the borough.

A police car on Church Road, KearsleyA police car on Church Road, Kearsley (Image: Newsquest)

She said: “Not so long ago we hosted the Knife Angel here in Bolton which severed as a timely reminder of the devastation violent crime causes, anyone thinking of picking up or carrying a knife would do well to remember that.

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"For now, the police will be investigating these two incidents, and I would urge anyone who knows anything to make contact with them.

"Where it comes to tackling the broader scourge of knife crime, the council and police will do whatever it takes, and I will always be open to hear people's concerns."

Anyone with any information can call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.