[A] man has been left in a critical condition following an assault in Manchester city centre.
At around 4.45am on Saturday 30 June 2018, police were called to reports of an assault on Bloom Street.
A 60-year-old man – who was cross-dressed at the time of the assault – had been outside AXM bar when he was approached by a man who punched him to the floor.
The victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
A 21-year-old man was arrested at nearby on suspicion of assault. He remains in custody for questioning.
Enquiries are ongoing and officers are appealing for anyone with information to contact police.
Detective Inspector Patrick Goodrich, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “This was a shocking attack on an innocent man who was enjoying his evening but has now been left in a critical condition in hospital. Our thoughts remain with him and his family as he receives treatment.
“While we have arrested a man, our investigation is still in its very early stages and we are working hard to establish the exact circumstances that led to this incident although it is not believed to be a hate crime at this stage.
“We can see from CCTV footage that there was a white woman with blonde hair who was wearing a red top and black trousers in close proximity to the attack and we believe she may hold vital information. I want to stress that she is not in any trouble but I would urge her to get in touch as she may have key details that would assist our enquiries.”
“I would also appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the assault or anyone with information to get in touch.
Adil Mohammed Ali (04/04/1997) of no fixed abode, has been charged with section 18 assault.
He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Manchester & Salford Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Monday 2 July 2018.
Anyone with information should call GMP on 0161 856 4409 quoting incident number 471 of 30/06/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
