Police hunt for suspect after stabbing man met on Grindr
Greater Manchester Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with a stabbing. (Greater Manchester Police)
Greater Manchester Police have released a CCTV image of an individual they would like to speak to after three men were attacked in attempted carjackings in the area, all of whom the perpetrator met on gay daring app Grindr.
A man in his twenties was threatened in his car in Bolton Road, Pendlebury, on Tuesday (March 26) by another man he had met earlier that day using Grindr, according to a press release sent out by police.
The assailant, who was sitting in the car, threatened the man while the car was parked, ordering him to hand over his car keys.
Victim stabbed several times, say police
According to police, he then stabbed the victim several times.
The assailant fled from the scene of the crime on foot, heading towards High Bank Road.
Police have not yet named the dating app used in the incident. (Leon Neal/Getty)
The victim was transported to hospital with serious injuries. He is still being treated.
Police have linked the incident to two other carjacking attempts, both on Monday (March 25), in Irlams o’ th’ Height, Salford and Prestwich.
Both victims in these incidents met their attacker on Grindr.
One of the men was left with small cuts to his throat, back and forearm, and remains in a stable condition in hospital.
The force released an image of a man dressed in grey clothing, whom they would like to speak to as part of their enquiries.
Greater Manchester Police: “Always meet new people in public places”
Detective inspector Gareth Jenkins, who works for Greater Manchester Police’s Salford district, said: “This is now the third attack following an attempted carjacking after an online dating app meeting and we’re working hard to find the man responsible.
“We have a CCTV image of a man we want to speak to as part of our investigation and I would appeal directly to the man to get in touch with us.
“We would also continue to encourage people using dating apps to always meet new people in public places and to let someone know where you’re going.
“If you have any information that could assist our investigation or if you recognise the man pictured, please get in touch as soon as possible.”
“I’d like to appeal to anyone who uses Grindr and recognises the man in the image we’ve released to get in touch as a matter of urgency.”
— Detective inspector Amanda Delamore, Greater Manchester Police
Chief inspector Amanda Delamore, who works for Greater Manchester Police’s Salford division, said: “We believe that the same person is responsible for these premediated acts of violence [sic].
“The injuries inflicted upon these men became progressively more violent with each attack and it’s imperative that anyone with information on these crimes contact us immediately.
The inspector also urged Grindr users with any information about the attacks to contact police.
“As well as appealing for witnesses, I’d like to appeal to anyone who uses Grindr and recognises the man in the image we’ve released to get in touch as a matter of urgency,” said Delamore.
“Like other forms of online communication; dating applications carry risks.
“We’d urge people to be cautious when agreeing to meet strangers they have been speaking to online.
“Always meet someone new in a public place first, let someone know where you’re going and never give out personal information to someone you’ve just met.”
Anyone with information is being urged to contact police on 0161 856 5194 or 101 quoting reference number 1764 of 26/03/2019.
Individuals can also make a report anonymously using independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
