Victoria Station stabbing suspect held under Mental Health Act

Police say the 25 year old man arrested last night (31 December 2018) following the incident at Manchester Victoria Station has been assessed by specialist medical staff and detained under the Mental Health Act.

The Counter Terrorism investigation remains ongoing.

Greater Manchester Police say there is nothing to suggest the involvement of other people in this attack, but confirming this remains a main priority for the investigation.

The search of the address in Cheetham Hill continues.

Two remain in hospital after the knife attack, while a police officer was also hurt.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, of Greater Manchester Police, added: I know that the events will have affected many people and caused concern.

That the incident happened so close to the scene of the terrorist attack on 22 May 2017 makes it even more dreadful.'

GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins added: Last night we experienced a horrific attack on people out to simply enjoy the New Year's Eve celebrations in Manchester.

My thoughts are with the couple who are still being treated in hospital for their serious injuries and with the brave British Transport Police officer who was also stabbed during the attack.''

He went on: Police officers at Victoria Train Station responded to a man armed with a knife and swiftly detained him. The officers acted with incredible bravery in tackling the armed attacker at the busy Metrolink station and ensured he was immediately detained. He remains in custody here in Manchester.

We are treating this as a terrorist investigation which is being led by counter terrorism officers with support from Greater Manchester Police. They were working throughout the night to piece together the details of what happened and to identify the man who was arrested.

This detailed work will continue and we are currently searching an address in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester which is believed to be where the man had most recently been living. Our work will continue to ensure we get to the full facts of what happened and why it took place.

I would ask anyone with footage to send it to FIB@gmp.police.uk and if they have any information that might assist the investigation to contact us on 0161 856 3400.'

BTP Assistant Chief Constable Sean O'Callaghan said: I am incredibly proud of the four officers who were immediately on scene last night, detaining a man who was wielding a knife. They were fearless, running towards danger and preventing further harm coming to passengers.

Unfortunately however, one of our police officers suffered a stab injury to their shoulder and we're all relieved that this is not more serious. It is good news that he has now been discharged from hospital, we are all wishing him a speedy recovery.'

Prime Minister Theresa May said: My thoughts are with those who were injured in the suspected terrorist attack in Manchester last night.

I thank the emergency services for their courageous response.'

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: Thinking of those injured in Manchester last night, their families and loved ones.

Thanks to our emergency services for their professionalism and bravery in dealing with this suspected terror attack.'

• Terror
• Manchester
• Victoria Station