A stabbing near Piccadilly Gardens is believed to have been sparked by a dispute between rival drug dealers, the M.E.N understands.

Witnesses say last night’s attack took place shortly after a group of men were seen talking near the metal memorial tree at the back of Piccadilly Gardens near the Big Wheel.

One group then broke away and walked towards the underpass by Caffe Nero.

Other men were then seen coming into Piccadilly Gardens from the bus station and near the big wheel and Market Street area.

It's understood that as the group of around 12 men stood near the entrance to Caffe Nero, one man was then seen to quickly bring out a weapon and stab another man once in the stomach.

Several of the men, including the attacker, then ran off through the underpass and back through the bus station.

The man who had been attacked made his way to the grass area under the big wheel where he collapsed, an ambulance was called and paramedics treated him.

He was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition.

Police have closed off Piccadilly Gardens tram stop and services are not running through the station.

The M.E.N. understands the three crime scenes being studied - on the tram tracks, outside Cafe Nero and on the grass by the Big Wheel - are all thought to contain blood or other forensic evidence relating to the attack.

All the men involved in the incident were aged in their teens or 20s.

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The police investigation meant the tram line between Piccadilly Gardens and Piccadilly Station was closed until just after 10am this morning.

It caused severe delays and disruption during rush hour with a number of services suspended or running at a reduced service.

Detective Inspector Liam Boden said: “One man has been very seriously injured as a result of being stabbed in Piccadilly Gardens last night and enquiries to locate the offender are ongoing.

"If anyone saw what happened or has information about the person responsible or motive for the incident I would encourage them to call us.

"I am aware of the impact us having a scene on the tram network will have for commuters.

“I would advise them to continue to monitor updates from the police, Metrolink or media and want to assure everybody that we are working as fast as we can to close this scene and get the trams up and running.”