A man has been arrested in connection with three attacks that occurred following online dating app meetings.
Officers have been investigating three separate attempted car-jacking incidents that occurred after the victims engaged with a man they had met on the online dating app Grindr.
At around 7pm on Monday 25 March 2019, a man in his 50s was threatened in his own home in Irlam o’ th’ Height by a man armed with a knife who demanded he hand over his car keys.
Around an hour later on Bury Old Road in Prestwich, a man in his 40s was held at knifepoint by a man who again demanded his car keys.
The victim suffered several cuts to his throat, back and forearm and was taken to hospital for treatment. He has since been released and is recovering at home.
The following day (Tuesday 26 March 2019), the third victim – a man in his 20s – was threatened in his car that was parked on Bolton Road in Pendlebury.
The attacker – who was a passenger in the car during the assault – stabbed the man several times after demanding he hand over his car keys.
The man was taken to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a stable condition.
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and two section 18 assaults. He remains in custody for questioning.
Chief Inspector Amanda Delamore, of GMP’s Salford district, said: “We now have a man in custody who will be questioned by my team in the coming hours as our enquiries continue.
“Our thoughts remain with the three victims who have all been left incredibly shaken by their ordeals and officers will continue to provide them with support at this distressing time.
“Our investigation does not stop here and I would continue to urge anyone with any information that could assist us to please get in touch with police.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5194 or 101 quoting reference number 1764 of 26/03/2019.
Reports can also be made anonymously, via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
