CCTV has captured the terrifying moment a diner was “randomly” stabbed in the chest while eating breakfast at a UK cafe.
Footage shows an older man holding a knife as he enters the doors of The Deli in the town of Bolton in Greater Manchester on Tuesday morning.
He then approaches the only customer inside and lunges at him.
The diner, a young man, was in the middle of unwrapping a sandwich when the incident unfolded and appeared to be unaware of the man until the knife hit his chest.
The customer quickly pushed the man’s arm away before the pair got into a tussle.
The video then shows the young man repeatedly punching the alleged attacker’s head.
The knife-wielding man is seconds later pushed against the counter where one of the cafe’s screaming staff was able to wrestle the weapon out of his hand.
Another horrified worker quickly calls emergency services as the stunned victim touches his chest to check if he is bleeding.
The attacker then calmly sits down at a table.
The victim was rushed to the back of the cafe by staff.
Police say the suspect had earlier left another property with a knife.
While walking along Tonge Moor, a main road that runs through Bolton, he allegedly stabbed a person. Their injuries have been described as superficial, according to reports.
Moments later, the knife-wielding man entered the cafe and stabbed the diner.
The victim suffered minor injuries. It is believed the combination of a vest, hooded jacket and a T-shirt helped reduce the severity of his injuries.
A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of assault and is being questioned.
Neither of the victims knew the attacker, but both incidents, which happened minutes apart, are believed to be linked, detectives said.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said they were called to the scene on Tuesday around 10:30 a.m. to find two men with stab wounds. Both were treated at the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples stressed there is no wider threat to the community.
“We are aware of a video circulating online in relation to this incident, and we appreciate that people will have concerns and worries regarding it,” he said.
“You will notice we have extra patrols in the area. I encourage anyone with concerns to please speak with our officers who are there to support.”
The Deli said its customers and staff were safe, and that it was assisting police.
“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!” a post on Facebook read.
“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.”
Detectives continue to make inquiries for the investigation.
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