Footage has been released of the horrifying moment when a 19-year-old man was stabbed and left with serious injuries in Salford on Tuesday – as police continue to search for the main knife man.
A 21-year-old man and two boys aged 16 and 17 have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder before being released on bail.
But police are still seeking information on the main offender and three others who are connected to the attack.
The incident took place shortly after 5.10pm as the teenager and a friend were outside Fitzwarren Court, off Rosehill Close, when a private hire taxi pulled up some distance away and seven men exited the vehicle.
Detectives have obtained CCTV footage that shows the victim and his friend desperately trying to gain access to a nearby flat to escape the group of men that were pursuing them.
However, before they could get into the complex, one of the offenders ran up to the victims and anticipating the danger one of the two men managed to escape by vaulting a fence and running off.
The attacker stabbed the victim twice prior to the gate of the flat opening, allowing the man to escape and raise the alarm.
Six men then got back into the taxi, a white Renault MPV, which was parked out of sight of the whole incident before fleeing the scene, while a seventh offender ran off towards Salford Precinct.
The victim was taken to hospital where he is now being treated for serious, but non-life threatening injuries.
Greater Manchester Police Detective Sergeant Jill Vescovi, based at Pendleton CID, said: “We now want everyone to look at this footage and, in particular, want information about the main offender.
“We have issued good quality footage showing the knifeman clearly wearing bright blue trousers. Did you see anyone wearing this distinctive clothing around the time of the incident?
“This was a targeted attack on a young man in the middle of the day in a busy part of Salford. I am confident that someone will know who this man is.”
Witnesses are asked to call police on 0161 856 5360 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
