Armed Police Respond as Suspect Remains at Large
Residents in Middleton have been left shocked and frightened after a masked man armed with a knife launched an unprovoked attack on a woman in her 70s, stabbing her while she was gardening in front of her home.
The violent assault, which took place on Thursday morning (March 6) in Crow Hill South, has only been confirmed today (Sunday, March 9) by Greater Manchester Police (GMP), who have released CCTV footage of a suspect in connection with the attack.
Victim Stabbed in the Neck Before Attacker Fled
According to reports, the attacker stabbed the woman in the bottom of her neck from behind before a neighbour intervened, forcing him to flee.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the victim was taken to hospital. Thankfully, she did not suffer serious injuries and has since returned home, where she is being comforted by her husband.
Massive Police Response and School Lockdown
The attack prompted a huge armed police response, including a police helicopter and multiple firearms officers.
Nearby Alkrington Primary School was placed on lockdown as a precaution, with residents reporting a significant police presence in the area.
Local resident Petr Klasa, 39, who lives opposite the school, described the scene:
“All of a sudden we saw masked police with their weapons in the street outside the school. It was pretty frightening. They were armed with automatic weapons and the helicopter was here too.”
Suspect Still on the Run
The masked attacker remains at large, and police are conducting extensive door-to-door inquiries.
Residents have handed over doorbell camera footage showing a hooded figure wearing a surgical mask lingering in the area before the attack.
A man whose parents live on Crow Hill South said the attack has left the community terrified:
“My mum and dad live there, and they are frightened to death. It’s quite an affluent area, and there are lots of elderly residents. It’s very rare something like this happens there. They’re frightened to go into their gardens. My dad was going to wash his car today, and he’s staying in.”
Police Release CCTV Footage of Suspect
GMP has now released CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to, urging the public to help identify him.
Detective Inspector Kimberley Hines, from GMP’s Rochdale division, stated:
“We do believe this to be an unprovoked attack which has left a woman incredibly shaken.”
“We know that hearing about this incident will be concerning for our communities, but I want to assure you that extensive work is underway to locate the suspect, and we have additional patrols in the area to speak to residents and offer support.”
“We have a team of detectives and police officers working around the clock to identify who is responsible for this attack, and we are appealing to the public who may be able to assist us.”
“Whilst you cannot see his face in the video, we ask if anyone recognises the clothing or perhaps his build, and can help us identify him – please come forward.”
How to Help
Anyone with information or who recognises the suspect is urged to contact GMP on 101, quoting log 1007 of March 6, 2025.
Anonymous tips can also be provided to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
This remains a developing story, and further updates will follow as police continue their urgent search for the suspect.
