A 50-year-old man has been arrested after walking into a café on Tonge Moor Road in Bolton and stabbing two men in an attack that left residents of the north-east area of the town shaken on Monday morning.
Greater Manchester Police were called to Tonge Moor Road at around 10.30am on 21 April following reports of a stabbing. Emergency services attended and two men were treated by medical professionals at the scene for stab wounds.
According to witnesses, the attacker entered the café and stabbed a young man sitting at a table before a second man sustained a stab wound during the incident. The primary victim is understood to have fought back in self-defence. The suspect reportedly sat down calmly following the attack before being detained by police. A man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning.
Multiple police vehicles remained at the scene throughout the morning, with officers carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the surrounding area. The significant police presence drew attention from local residents and passers-by, several of whom stopped to observe as officers worked the scene.
The incident prompted concern among local residents. One said: “You’re not safe in Tonge Moor at all. There’s all these things, people with knives, and you’re looking round when you walk. It’s scary.” Another resident told The Bolton News: “It can happen anywhere. It’s a surprise to me, especially on the end of my row.” A third added: “My daughter goes to school here — there can be a lot of anti-social behaviour, and people with balaclavas, but they have never bothered me.”
Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Emergency services attended, and two men were treated by medical professionals on site for stab wounds. Enquiries are ongoing.’
Management at The Deli thanked the customer on their Facebook page and said he would eat free there for life.
The message read: ‘Dear customers, regarding the incident that took place this morning on Tonge Moor Rd;
‘This incident has followed down and spilled into our premises. We would like to assure you all, our customers and staff are safe and helping GMP with their investigation.
‘We would also like to thank our customer today who helped during the incident, keeping us safe. Of course he will receive free orders for life!
‘Due to the disruption we have closed for the remainder of the day and will let you all know when we are back open for business. We wholeheartedly apologise for any inconvenience caused.
‘The police presence drew the attention of residents and passers‑by, with several people speaking out about the incident and stopping their car to see what was going on.
‘Thank you for understanding and we will see you all very soon!’
