Airport arrest after woman attacked with knife in garden
The woman - believed to be in her 70s - was gardening when she became the victim of an unprovoked attack
Last updated 19th Mar 2025
A man has been arrested at Manchester Airport following an unprovoked knife attack on a woman who was gardening in Middleton.
It is understood the woman, in her 70s, was in her own garden when the man approached her and slashed her with a knife on Thursday 06 March.
He then ran off from the garden on Crow Hill, in the direction of a primary school, which was put into lockdown.
Police arrived on the scene and began going door-to-door, but were unable to find the suspect.
Almost two weeks on, officers arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of GBH after he landed at Manchester Airport.
Greater Manchester Police said: "He is now in police custody awaiting questioning, and we are continuing to update the victim and ensure she is supported.
We are still appealing to the public who may have dashcam footage which show a man's movements that day, before and after the assault.
"At this stage in our enquiries, we believe that this man walked along Mainway between 10:57am to 11:01am.
"He then travelled on to Manor Road and then arrived back onto Mainway at 11:18am after attacking the victim.
"If you were in the area that day, please get in touch."
Detective Inspector Kimberley Hines from our Rochdale district said: "We do believe this to be an unprovoked attack which has left a woman incredibly shaken.
"We know that this incident caused concern for our communities, but I hope that news of this arrest will provide a small measure of comfort to those who have been affected by this.
"Our officers remain in the area to conduct further enquiries and offer reassurance, and we are continuing to appeal to the public to assist with our investigation, particularly if you have any dash cam footage from the day, it could be crucial to our investigation."
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