The incident happened in a Sikh community but GMP say this attack was not motivated by race or religion
20:07, 06 Jun 2026Updated 20:12, 06 Jun 2026
Larch Gardens, Cheetham Hill(Image: Google Maps)
Armed police were dispatched to Cheetham Hill this afternoon after an attempted knife-point robbery.
The drama happened in a Sikh area of north Manchester but police say the crime was not motivated by race or religion.
The victim, a woman in her 60s, suffered a wound to her hand after a would-be robber tried to snatch her handbag. Members of the public intervened and detained the alleged suspect – within minutes armed police were on the scene and a 40-year-old woman of Pakistani heritage was arrested The suspect was arrested on suspicion of assault, robbery and possession of a bladed article.
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The incident happened in Larch Gardens in Cheetham Hill shortly before 4.25pm amid reports of an attempted robbery at knife-point. After members of the public detained a suspect, officers were on the scene and arrested the suspect.
GMP bosses say the incident did not require an armed response but armed police were the closest to the scene and so they responded.
Police say a second female may also be involved and they are being sought.
“We are working to establish the full circumstances of the incident but do not believe this to be motivated by race or religion. We are supporting the victim who has gone to hospital to treatment to her hand injury and is understandably shaken,” said a statement from GMP.
Detective Superintendent Sarah Harris said: “Firstly, the victim is thankfully in a stable condition in hospital and is receiving treatment for an injury to her hand. We know this incident was witnessed by members of our local Sikh community, who we know will be shaken by it.
“While we do not believe race or religion was a motive, it is still a shocking ordeal for the victim and those who witnessed it. We are supporting the victim and officers remain in the area.
“Officers made an arrest eight minutes after the call was made and I thank members of the public for helping to detain the suspect. The suspect remains in custody, and we are working to locate a potential second suspect.
“I understand the wider worries expressed by all our communities regarding safety on our streets. In Greater Manchester, we continue to stress our priority is keeping all people safe by listening to communities and policing without fear or favour.”
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call GMP on 101 quoting incident 2441 of 06/06/2026. Details can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.