Police place a Section 60 authority in city centre following a double stabbing

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has authorised a Section 60 authority in the city centre following a horror double stabbing.

Two men, one in his 20s and another in his 30s, were found in Piccadilly Garden with stab wounds. They both remain in hospital with one receiving treatment and the other remains in a critical condition. No arrests have been made so far and an investigation is ongoing. 

Officers received multiple calls of an ongoing disturbance where weapons were seen and had potentially been used. 
 
The Section 60 will be effective in the following areas; 

Ring Road between Great Ancoats Street and Trinity Way and Irwell Street between Trinity Way and New Quay Street. Streets names as below; 

• Mancuniun Way Junction of Great Ancoats Street 
• Great Ancoats Street to Swan Street 
• Swan Street to Miller Street 
• Miller Street to Trinity Way 
• Trinity Way to Mancuniun Way 
• Mancunciun Way to Great Ancoats Street 

The Section 60 powers come under the 1994 Criminal Justice and Public Order Act and will run for 24 hours. Having been authorised at 12.53am this morning (Thursday, July 3, 2025). It is set to expire at 12.53am on Friday, July 4, 2025. 

The Section 60 authority grants officers extended powers to stop and search individuals within the area. 

Chief Inspector Rob MacGregor from the city centre division said: “The Section 60 authority put in place overnight gives officers additional powers which will be utilised to prevent any further incidents or the carrying of weapons. 

“There will be a significant presence of officers, particularly on foot patrol in the area today. If you have any concerns or any information, then please speak to those officers who will reassure and respond to any queries. 

“Section 60 powers are crucial to preventing potential further offenses or instances of violence in the community. If anyone has any information then we need to hear from you.” 

Anyone with information or footage relating to this incident are urged to contact police on 101 quoting log 71 of 03/07/2025. 

You can also report via the LiveChat function on GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.