Man stabbed in Castleton

A man was stabbed in the back in Castleton at about 5.15pm yesterday (Tuesday 9 February).

The 26-year-old man is now in hospital having also suffered a suspected tear to his liver as a result of the stabbing.

The victim was on Scholes Street, near to a garage, when he felt an ache in the right hand side of his back.

When he turned round, he found he had been stabbed in the back, possibly by a kitchen knife with a white handle. The offender then fled onto Lennon Street.

He is described as white, about 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in tall, of skinny build and wearing a black cap, a dark blue or black hooded top covering the cap and dark shell suit trousers.

The victim remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Detectives in Rochdale are now appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Graham Hook from Rochdale CID, said: "I understand this stabbing may cause concern in the community, but I want to stress that this is being treated as an isolated incident and this type of knife crime is rare.

"We will have a significant presence in the area over the next few days both to reassure the community and piece together exactly what happened to the victim.

"I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward so we can find the offender and lock him up. The victim is in a serious condition and we are all only too aware of the consequences of knife crime. Greater Manchester Police is working hard to take knives off our streets and with the public's help we can find this man and send the message that those who carry knives will end up in prison."

Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4646 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.