CCTV Footage Reveals Terrifying Knife Attack at Bolton Cafe
Shocking CCTV footage has emerged capturing the moment a customer was stabbed at The Deli cafe on Tonge Moor Road in Bolton. The video, which has circulated on social media but not been published by major outlets, shows a man entering the premises holding a knife before lunging at a patron seated at a table.
Staff can be heard screaming in the background as the victim stands up, appears to punch the alleged attacker, and disarms him. The alleged attacker is later seen standing calmly and then sitting down, adding to the surreal nature of the incident.
Two Linked Knife Attacks Within Minutes
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that this cafe attack was the second of two knife incidents that occurred within minutes on Tuesday morning. The first stabbing took place along Tonge Moor Road, where a man left a nearby property armed with a knife and attacked someone, resulting in superficial injuries.
Shortly afterwards, the same individual entered The Deli and targeted the customer seen in the footage. Police are treating the two reports as linked and have indicated that mental health factors may be involved in the case.
Victims' Injuries and Arrest Details
Neither victim is believed to have known the attacker. The cafe victim's injuries are not considered life-threatening or life-changing, partly because he was wearing a gilet, sweatshirt, and T-shirt that may have reduced the severity of the stabbing. The earlier victim sustained only superficial wounds.
A man in his 50s has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning. Greater Manchester Police attended the scene around 10:30 am, finding two men with stab wounds who were treated by medical professionals on site.
Cafe Response and Community Impact
In a statement on Facebook, The Deli's management addressed the incident, assuring customers that staff and patrons were safe and cooperating with the police investigation. They praised the customer who helped during the attack, offering him free orders for life as a token of gratitude.
The cafe closed for the remainder of the day due to the disruption, with plans to reopen announced later. Several police cars were deployed to Tonge Moor Road as officers conducted house-to-house enquiries to gather further evidence.
This violent episode has shaken the local community, highlighting concerns about public safety and mental health support. Authorities continue to investigate the motives behind the attacks, with updates expected as the case progresses.
