Police investigating the stabbing of three people at the Arndale Center have raided a house in north Manchester.
Officers swooped on the flat on Rochdale Road at about 6pm yesterday.
It’s believed forenics teams spent about five hours searching the 40 – year-old suspect’s home.
This morning police confirmed a search had been carried out at an undisclosed location in Manchester where the suspected attacker previously lived.
Neighbors on Rochdale Road told theManchester Evening Newsthey immediately recognized the suspect when footage of his arrest by armed office rs began circulating on social media.
He’s thought to have lived at the property for about 12 months .
The investigation is now being led by counter terrorism police.
Officers are trying to establish if the man had any political, religious or ideological motivation for the attack, although it’s understood so far nothing has come to light.
The man’s mental health is also being closely considered as a factor in the attack.
Police were called to the scene at 11. am yesterday.
The suspect was detained by armed police on Corporation Street.
After being arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences he was detained under the Mental Health Act.
Three people – 19 – year-old Chloe McGurk from Belfast, who was visiting Manchester with friends for a ‘girly weekend’, another 19 – year-old woman and a man in his 50 s – were stabbed before being taken to hospital.
A woman in her 40 s was not stabbed, but was assessed by paramedics.
Another woman received a ‘superficial knife injury’.
This morning Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said: “The investigation will be continued by counter terrorism officers and an open mind is being kept in relation to any motive and of course the man is considered unfit to be kept in custody and has now been transferred to mental health detention. “
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Manchester Arndale stabbing
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham told theManchester Evening Newshe wished the victims a ‘speedy recovery’ and said he was prepared to authorize greater use of police stop and search powers in a bid to tackle knife crime.
He said: “The investigation is ongoing but it appears to be an isolated incident.
” We are not unique. These things are happening around the world and we are living in more volatile time.
“Mental health is a growing concern not just for our society but everywhere.
“A lot of people come here for a lot of different reasons, it’s a great city. Because of that, it brings extra pressure. It is very much business as usual today and great to see everyone returning.
“We are living in difficult times and it probably does mean we need to look out for each other and be extra vigilant, but for people coming to the city it’s a case of recognizing we are not immune to the times we are living in.
“This is a city that has a strong civic response and we will do everything to keep people safe here.”
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