Man stabbed in the back outside Middleton Arena

Picture courtesy of Google Street View

Investigations are continuing after a boxing fan was stabbed in the back and left in a serious condition in hospital outside Middleton Arena on Friday night.

It was at around 10pm when police were called to reports of a disturbance outside the Arena.

Officers say a 26-year-old man left the venue and was pursued by two offenders, who caught up with him and a fight broke out.

During the altercation, the 26-year old victim was stabbed in the back and rushed to hospital where he remains in a serious condition, although it’s not known if he’s injures are life-threatening.

The offenders are said to have fled the scene and remain at large.

Detectives Sergeant Rich Shelton, of Greater Manchester Police’s Rochdale Borough, said: “This man was enjoying an evening watching the boxing when the offenders brought his night to an abrupt end.”

“Local residents and businesses will see extra patrols in the area – if you have any questions about what happened, or want to pass on information; you can speak with them directly.”

“The Arena was very busy, so I’d ask anyone who may have seen two men acting suspiciously, or with information that could help this investigation to pass this to police.”

It’s understood as many as 500 people were at Middleton Arena for the sold-out boxing event prior to the incident taking place.

The event was called off when news broke about what had happened outside the venue.