Man arrested after three seriously injured in Middleton assault

Thursday, 1 January 2026 13:36

By David Murphy

A man has been arrested following a violent incident in Middleton that left three people seriously injured in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Police were called to Manchester Old Road, in the Rhodes area of Middleton, at around 1.30am on Thursday 1 January after reports of an assault. On arrival, officers found two men, one in his 20s and one in his 60s, and a woman in her 30s, all suffering from serious injuries. All three were taken to hospital for treatment.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of Section 18 assault and remains in custody for questioning.

A police cordon remains in place next to a shopping precinct on Chapel Street, close to The Carters Arms pub, with the car park in front of the parade of shops taped off. Witnesses reported seeing blue forensic tents erected inside the cordon earlier in the day, although these were later taken down while officers continued their enquiries.

There is no suggestion that a knife or any other weapon was used during the incident.

The exact circumstances surrounding the assaults remain unclear, and investigations are ongoing. Police believe the incident may have involved multiple assaults and are continuing to establish the full sequence of events.

Officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have seen relevant events outside or inside nearby premises, to come forward.

Members of the public are urged to contact police on 101 or via the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 3529 of 31/12/2025. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This is a developing story and updates will be issued as more information becomes available.

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