Two Women Injured in Shocking Burnley Knife Attack
Two women were hurt in a knife attack at a Burnley Marks & Spencer store on St James Street at 9:30am, Lancashire Police confirmed. Both were rushed to hospital with injuries that are thankfully not life-threatening.
Passers-By Detain Suspect, Police Say Attack Was Close to Tragedy
Superintendent Stasia Osiowy hailed the “brave actions” of bystanders who stopped a 57-year-old man at the scene. He has since been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
“Without their brave actions, this incident, while serious, could have been so much worse,” Supt Osiowy said. She added her thanks to those who acted quickly, risking their own safety to detain the attacker.
Police Investigation Focuses on Mental Health, Not Terrorism
Although initial comments prompted counter-terrorism detectives to join the case, officers say this is not being treated as a terror incident. Detectives remain “open-minded” on the attacker’s motive but are considering his mental health background as a key factor.
A knife was recovered at the scene, and police have increased patrols in the area to reassure the public.
Shopper Describes Chaotic Scene as Emergency Services Descend
Eyewitness Carl Stredder was nearby at a cash machine when he heard shouting. He saw a man “holding down” the attacker before the police arrived within minutes.
“There were six or seven police cars, sirens everywhere. Then an ambulance arrived. It was clear a major incident had happened,” Carl told the BBC. “It was a bit of a frightener when we came home and thought about what might have happened.”
