A 17-year-old girl was stabbed in the neck on a street in Brierfield, triggering an armed police response and the swift arrest of a 30-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.
Officers from Lancashire Constabulary were called to Wood Street at 3.06pm on Friday after receiving reports that a teenager had been injured. “It was reported that a 17-year-old girl had been assaulted and suffered a stab injury to her neck,” the force said. Armed police attended and arrested a man shortly afterwards. He is from Brierfield and remains in custody.
“A 17-year-old girl was stabbed in the neck in Brierfield; a 30-year-old man has been arrested for attempted murder.”
The girl was taken to hospital with a stab wound to the back of her neck. A police spokesman said: “This was a serious incident, but thankfully her injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing and she has been communicating with our officers and medical staff.”
The attack has shaken the local community. “We know that this will cause alarm in the local community and extra patrols will be in the area this evening to provide reassurance,” Lancashire Police said, adding that additional patrols would continue over the weekend.
Oliver Ryan, the MP for Brierfield, said both the alleged attacker and victim are British. Writing on X, he said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with the young victim of yesterday’s horrific stabbing in Brierfield, which I know will shock and frighten everyone in our area.” He added: “The victim is in the care of the NHS, we all wish her a quick recovery after this deeply traumatic, life-changing event – my prayers are with her and her family at this time.”
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the stabbing, has doorbell footage from the area or has any further information to come forward.