Man stabbed in flats where 'substance' found

Forensic officers at the scene a stabbing in Whalley Range
Forensic officers were at the scene of a "nasty" stabbing in Whalley Range [Ashley Stocks]

A man was stabbed in a "nasty attack" at a block of flats where police found "barrels" of an unidentified substance.

The victim was taken to hospital but is not believed to have suffered life-threatening injuries, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).

The stabbing happened at Withington Road, Whalley Range, with police called at about 20:00 BST on Sunday.

While examining the scene, the BBC understands officers discovered "barrels" containing an unidentified substance and alerted the fire service.

'Isolated incident'

Two fire engines attended with emergency services entering the area wearing hazmat protective suits as a "precaution", but the items were found to be non-hazardous.

Det Insp Leanne Gibb urged anyone with relevant information or video footage to come forward.

"I want to reassure the local community that we believe this to have been an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public," she said.

A spokesperson for the fire service said firefighters arrived at 22:30 and "assisted GMP at the scene" before leaving at about 00:00.

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