A 67-year-old man has been charged over an alleged double stabbing after a diner was randomly attacked by a knifeman at a café.
CCTV footage from The Deli café on Tonge Moor Road, Bolton, showed the moment the attacker thrust a kitchen knife at the chest of an unassuming diner on Tuesday.
The victim then jumped up and fought back, throwing punches at the bespectacled man which left him stumbling backwards – before a staff member snatched the weapon from his hand.
The suspect was eventually arrested when three police cars rushed to the scene at around 10.30am.
Stephen Nolan, from the same road on which the attack occurred, has now been charged with grievous bodily harm and an attempted section 18 assault.
He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, local police confirmed.
Neither of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries.
Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Officers are continuing to appeal for information as they progress their investigation into the incident. This includes any CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage from around the time of the incident.’
Stephen Nolan, 67, has been charged with grievous bodily harm and assault after an alleged double stabbing in Bolton
Video footage showed the suspect walking over to an unassuming diner and thrusting a knife at his chest before a fight broke out
The victim hit the knifeman with a barrage of punches, before the weapon was eventually taken off him and police arrived at the scene
In the aftermath of the stabbing, The Deli café offered its thanks to the customer and said he would eat there free 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 surrounding Tonge Moor Road was becoming increasingly 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.’
