Two men knifed in Greave

Following news of a stabbing in Smallbridge, it has emerged that a second, unrelated knife attack occurred in Rochdale last night (Sunday 19 October).

Two men are in hospital suffering stab wounds and four men have been arrested after an altercation outside a house on Greave Avenue at around 9pm last night.

A 40-year-old man had suffered several stab wounds and was taken to hospital for treatment but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

A short time later police were informed that another, younger man, had also been admitted to hospital with a stab wound to his arm.

Four men aged between 18 and 26 have been arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault. They remain in police custody for questioning.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has any information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Daryl Chadwick, based at Rochdale CID, said: "We are in the very early stages of the investigation and my officers are still trying to piece together exactly what happened.

"What I can say at this stage is that this is being treated as an isolated incident and I do not want the local community to be unduly alarmed.

"What is a concern is that knives were used during this altercation. We have all seen the devastating consequences that knives can cause and the use of any knife as a weapon is unacceptable.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward."

Anyone with information should call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.