Woman detained under Mental Health Act following girl's death

A police investigation is continuing into the 'unprovoked and random' attack

A woman who was arrested following an attack on a seven-year-old girl at Queen’s Park in Bolton has now been detained under the Mental Health Act.

The 30-year-old is currently detained at a secure hospital unit.

A police investigation is continuing into the 'unprovoked and random' attack in Queen's Park yesterday afternoon (Sunday) in which the girl was stabbed with a knife.

She died of catastrophic injuries a short time later.

Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said: “The woman arrested yesterday at the scene of the attack on the little girl in Bolton has now been detained under the Mental Health Act.

“We have informed the family of the woman’s detention.

"They are understandably distraught over what happened yesterday and we will continue to support them with family liaison officers in the coming months.

“It is hard to describe how terrible this incident was, the attack happened in front of the parents of this little girl who had taken her out yesterday afternoon to enjoy the spring sun and play in the park.

“Having seen this horrendous attack, a member of the public bravely chased after the woman and detained her until police arrived and arrested her.

"I would like to thank him for his actions which enabled us to quickly arrest her and prevent anything else from happening.

“Several officers who attended the park were very young in service in the police, some with only weeks on independent police patrol.

"They and all the officers who went to the scene are incredibly upset over what has happened and all of us have this little girl and her family in our thoughts.

“I want to stress that this is not an end to the criminal investigation, we will consider the evidence and consult with the Crown Prosecution Service and if appropriate we will be seeking criminal charges.”

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