Hero by-standers rush to help as man stabbed twice and massive cordon erected

Staffordshire Police have erected a large cordon around the area - shoppers near the scene said they no longer felt safe there

Shoppers told of their shock this morning after a man was reportedly knifed during violent scenes in broad daylight. The incident happened in Upper Market Square, Hanley, just after 11am.

StokeonTrentLive reported a victim was “stabbed twice” in a fracas involving two men before bystanders stepped in to separate them. Eyewitnesses described tense scenes near the town’s Halifax and KFC.

Staffordshire Police erected a large cordon around the area as investigations continue. Shoppers reported feeling unsafe in the aftermath and some expressed concerns about rising levels of violence in the city centre.

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One shopper who tried to break up the violence said: “There was a man with his girlfriend. Another man stabbed him twice.

“The man who was stabbed then hit the other man a few times. I was trying to separate them.

Market trader Kelvin Yu believed one of the men had a knife. The 64-year-old explained: “Two men were fighting. I did not see the knife at the time but I know one of them had a knife when the police came.”

Sheila Martin, aged 77, of Burslem, added: “I do not come into Hanley much any more. I do not really feel safe here. I used to live in Hanley when I was a kid. It has totally changed. I just do not feel safe any more.”

Both Staffordshire Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service have been contacted for statements.

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