A teenager has been arrested after a 16-year-old boy was attacked with an axe and knife and had his mobile phone stolen in Northenden yesterday evening
The victim – who is aged 16 – who had been visiting the address was attacked with a knife and an axe. The incident was filmed and uploaded onto social media, before the offender made off with the victim’s phone.
A 13-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of attempted assault, robbery, malicious communications and witness intimidation. He remains in custody for questioning.
This action follows a force-wide operation by GMP to tackle personal robbery – codenamed Operation Valiant.
Launched in February 2018, the dedicated operation aims to reduce personal robberies by deterring offenders and telling the public about current risks and different steps they can use to keep themselves safe.
Detective Constable Tony Calvert, from GMP’s Operation Valiant team, said: “This was a horrific attack on a young boy and no one should ever be subjected to something like this. Fortunately in this case, the victim did not sustain any serious injuries, however the outcome could have been very different.
“This being said, the young victim has been left understandably shaken by what has happened and our thoughts are with him as he recovers at home.
“Operation Valiant will remain an absolute priority for GMP and we have a team of dedicated officers who will continue to target individuals who commit robberies within the City Centre and across Greater Manchester. As part of this focus, we have also produced targeted messaging to inform the public and help prevent them becoming victim of crime. Above all else, I hope this action goes far in reassuring communities that we are absolutely committed to making sure the streets of Greater Manchester are a safer place.”
