This is the moment a knifeman strolls into a café and attacks a diner before waiting calmly for police to arrive and arrest him over an alleged double stabbing.
Security footage from The Deli café on Tonge Moor Road, Bolton, captured the bespectacled man in his 50s walking through the front door and approaching a younger customer tucking into his food.
The attacker lunges forward and stabs him in the chest with a kitchen knife, prompting the stunned victim to jump to his feet and fight back.
As the knifeman stumbles towards the counter, dazed from taking punches to the head, a quick-thinking member of staff grabs the weapon out of his hand.
The victim is seen dabbing at his wound but, despite his injury, prevents the assailant from fleeing.
The attacker then sits down at a table while staff lead the heroic diner behind the counter to safety before calling the emergency services.
Three police cars rushed to the scene at around 10.30am on Tuesday morning, where they found two men suffering from stab wounds.
An update on their condition has not yet been provided, but they are thought to have suffered minor injuries.
This is the moment a callous knifeman strolls into The Deli café in Bolton, Lancashire, and stabs a diner
After being stabbed in the chest, the victim jumps to his feet and begins fighting back
The customer then throws a number of punches at the knifeman, who appears dazed as he stumbles back towards the counter
Eventually, a heroic staff member manages to pull the kitchen knife out of the assailant’s hand
A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning.
A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Emergency services attended, and two men were treated by medical professionals on site for stab wounds. Enquiries are ongoing.’
Management at The Deli thanked the customer on their Facebook page and said he would eat free there for life.
The message read: ‘Dear customers, regarding the incident that took place this morning on Tonge Moor Rd;
‘This incident has followed down and spilled into our premises. We would like to assure you all, our customers and staff are safe and helping GMP with their investigation.
‘We would also like to thank our customer today who helped during the incident, keeping us safe. Of course he will receive free orders for life!
‘Due to the disruption we have closed for the remainder of the day and will let you all know when we are back open for business. We wholeheartedly apologise for any inconvenience caused.
‘The police presence drew the attention of residents and passers‑by, with several people speaking out about the incident and stopping their car to see what was going on.
‘Thank you for understanding and we will see you all very soon!’
Residents told local paper The Bolton News how the area was becoming more and more dangerous.
One said: ‘You’re not safe in Tonge Moor at all. There’s all these things, people with knives, and you’re looking round when you walk. It’s scary.’
Another resident added: ‘My daughter goes to school here there can be a lot of anti-social behaviour, and people with balaclavas, but they have never bothered me. This side of Tonge Moor is mainly locals.’
Police remained at the scene on Wednesday with officers carrying out door‑to‑door enquiries.
