Police release CCTV footage of two people they wish to identify after man stabbed in the neck on a Metrolink tram, Beswick

At around 6.50am on Saturday 8 October 2016, the 36-year-old victim was travelling on the Ashton-bound tram near to Beswick when he intervened in an argument between other passengers. 

The offender sliced the victim’s neck with a knife before continuing to argue with the man. The tram came to a halt at the Velopark stop a short time later and the offender ran off. 

The victim was left with serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged to continue his recovery at home. His injuries are not life-threatening. 

The offender is described as black, between 35 and 45-years-old, stocky build, around 5ft 4in tall with a shaven head. 

An investigation has been launched and police are looking to identify the man and the woman in the footage and speak with them. 

Detective Sergeant Darren Wales, from GMP’s City of Manchester team, said: “Quite frankly this man is very lucky that he was not left with life-threatening injuries as a result of this unprovoked attack. 

“Had the knife cut an artery or gone deeper into his neck then I dread to think what could have happened which I think makes this incident all the more shocking, especially given it occurred on a tram. 

“It is not quite clear why the offender lashed out at his victim in such a vicious manner but what we do know is that there were a number of people who witnessed the incident and may hold key information. 

“We are keen to speak the man and woman in the footage as well as anybody else with information and I would urge anybody who thinks they can help to contact police immediately.”

TfGM’s Metrolink Director, Peter Cushing, said:

Clearly this was an extremely upsetting incident and I wish the injured man a speedy recovery. 

“Nobody expects to be a victim of, or witness, such a violent attack while using public transport and we will do whatever is required to ensure the offender is identified and brought to justice. 

“All our trams and stops are fitted with CCTV, which has been used to great effect in the past to bring offenders to justice. Those intent on committing offences on Metrolink should be warned that there is no place to hide. 

“If anyone has any information about the incident or person responsible please get in touch with the police.” 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 1146 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.