Police are appealing for witnesses following an attack on a teenager in Arcadia Library and Leisure Centre. An arrest has been made but witnesses and anyone with information related to the incident are asked to contact the police.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident reference 2469 of 25/05/17. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The BBC News report is available HERE

GMP Report

“Police are appealing for information after a teenager was attacked at a Levenshulme leisure centre.  At around 8.45pm on Thursday 25 May 2017 a 16-year-old boy was approached from behind by a man at the Arcadia Sports Centre on Yew Tree Avenue. The attacker pushed him to the floor and then attacked him with a knife, causing cuts to his arms. Fortunately, he managed to kick out and run away. After the attack, the man returned to the reception area of the sports centre and left the area with another man.

Officers launched an investigation and an 18-year-old man has since been arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed until Friday 23 June 2017 pending further enquiries.

Chief Inspector Dave Gilbride of GMP’s City of Manchester Team, said: “This was a shocking unprovoked attack on a teenager who was in a quiet area of the leisure centre with his friends, revising for his GCSE exams.

“Despite this man’s attempts, the boy received only minor injuries, however he is understandably very shaken up by his ordeal. We are treating the incident very seriously and we believe it was a hate crime.”

“Although we have made an arrest, we still need people who may have witnessed the attack, or indeed anyone with any information about this incident at all, to come forward and speak to us.

“Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who has become a victim of a hate incident or crime, to report it to the police by calling 101 or through True Vision at www.report-it.org.uk

“It’s never too late to make a report.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting incident reference 2469 of 25/05/17. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.