Police are appealing for information after a man was stabbed during a ‘fight’ in Bolton town centre.

Officers were called to the scene at around 2.25am on Sunday, following reports of a stabbing on Churchgate in Bolton town centre.

Emergency services attended the scene and police cordons were put up in areas around Deansgate, including outside Popworld nightclub and other surrounding areas. 

Upon conducting their initial enquiries, police have said they believe the incident started as a fight between two sets of two men outside the Elephant and Castle pub on Churchgate.

During the incident one man was seen to produce a knife and stab a man from the opposing group, police said.

The suspect then made off along Deansgate and onto Crown Street.

His associate involved in the fight was arrested at the scene, according to police.

The victim of the stabbing is now in hospital and currently receiving treatment.

Police have urged members of the public to come forward if they were in the area at the time, or have any dash cam footage or CCTV that can assist with officer enquires.

GMP are also keen to identify and locate the suspect and the other man at the scene as he could hold vital information in regard to this incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rollinson of GMP’s Bolton district said: "Firstly, I would like to reassure the public that we are exhausting every possible line of enquiry that we have at present, and we are working hard to ensure the offender of this senseless attack is located and removed from our streets.

"We currently have a scene in place and that will remain in place while our officers conduct further searches and enquiries of the area.

"Greater Manchester Police will not tolerate any knife crime or criminal activity, and this is certainly no exception in Bolton. We will endeavour to bring the offender to justice.

"If you were in the Churchgate or Deansgate area around 2am this morning and saw the incident, saw any fights or disagreements, and believe this is them or you have any information no matter how small, it could be vital in our investigations.

"If you would like to report information to us, please contact 0161 856 5757 or 101 quoting log 293 of 15/01/2023.

"You can also report information using the reporting tool on our website: www.gmp.police.uk "Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."