A 21-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after a teenage victim was stabbed in Manchester city centre’s Northern Quarter at the end of July.
Arrest made at Manchester Airport within hours
Bandar Alzahar, described by police as having no fixed address, was arrested at Manchester Airport on the afternoon of Friday 31 July and subsequently charged. He also faces a separate charge of possessing a bladed article in public.
Alzahar was remanded in custody and appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Monday, according to Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
Victim's condition and police appeal
The victim, a 19-year-old, remains in hospital. GMP said his condition is stable but serious, and used wording indicating the injuries were severe.
"life-threatening injuries"
Detectives have urged anyone with information to come forward. Officers are particularly seeking:
- Anyone who witnessed the incident on Church Street in the Northern Quarter shortly before 12:50 BST on 31 July.
- People with relevant CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage.
- Anyone who may have information about the movements of the suspect before or after the incident.
Local context and what this means for residents
The Northern Quarter is a densely visited area in the city centre, popular with locals and visitors for its shops, bars and cultural venues. A violent incident in such a location is likely to cause concern among residents and businesses. GMP has not reported any further linked incidents and continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
| Key detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Bandar Alzahar, 21 |
| Charges | Attempted murder; possessing a bladed article in public |
| Victim | 19-year-old, in hospital (stable) |
| Location | Church Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester |
| Arrest location | Manchester Airport (within three hours) |
Anyone with information is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police. Providing footage or giving a statement can be done through the force’s standard contact channels or by calling the non-emergency number. Information from members of the public may be crucial to the ongoing investigation.
The case remains active. Further updates will be provided by GMP and at court as proceedings continue.
