Oldham was shaken by three serious attacks within less than two hours, leaving three men hospitalized and prompting police to impose a 24-hour Section 60 order granting expanded stop-and-search powers across large parts of the town.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the assaults, which occurred in close proximity on Wednesday evening.

While officers have not yet confirmed whether the incidents are linked, they believe the attacks were targeted.

The first assault took place at approximately 5:50 p.m. in the Butler Green area of Chadderton, where a 26-year-old man sustained potentially life-changing injuries and remains in hospital. No arrests have been made in connection with this incident.

Just before 7:30 p.m., a second attack occurred on the B&M car park on Chadderton Way, roughly 200 meters from a nearby chicken shop. A 21-year-old man was stabbed in the leg and head; his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A 21-year-old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of assault and violent disorder and remains in custody, while detectives examine two vehicles within the cordoned-off car park.

Shortly after the Chadderton Way stabbing, a third man was attacked on Featherstall Road North. Witnesses reported seeing blood on the floor near the counter of a takeaway, suggesting staff may have assisted the injured man after he sought help there.

The victim is currently in stable condition in hospital, though police initially said the full extent of his injuries had not been established. No arrests have been made in relation to this third incident, and the scene remains active as inquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant Jennifer O’Brien of Oldham CID acknowledged community concerns, stating that an increased police presence would remain in place while investigations proceed.

She emphasized that knife crime has no place in Oldham or Greater Manchester and highlighted the work of neighbourhood teams and the force-wide Op Venture unit in tackling weapons-related offences.

Police have appealed for information from the public, urging anyone with details to contact GMP via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.