The stabbing of three people at Manchester Victoria station on New Year's Eve is being treated as a terror related incident, police have confirmed.

A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the attack, which happened shortly before 9pm.

Two knives were recovered at the scene and a property is being searched in the Cheetham Hill area.

Image: Police were searching a house believed to be of interest to the investigation

In a briefing on Tuesday morning, police said they were keeping an open mind about the motive.

They have not yet confirmed whether the suspect is a British national.


Stabbings a 'terrorist investigation' - chief constable

The three victims were taken to a nearby hospital in a "serious" condition but their injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

A woman in her 50s suffered injuries to her face and stomach, while a man - also in his 50s - has injuries to his stomach.

Image: The attack happened at about 9pm on New Year's Eve. Pic: @Clack_Sam

They are still being treated in hospital.

A British Transport Police (BTP) sergeant in his 30s was also treated after he was stabbed in the shoulder, but has since been released.

My thoughts are with those who were injured in the suspected terrorist attack in Manchester last night. I thank the emergency services for their courageous response. — Theresa May (@theresa_may) January 1, 2019

Prime Minister Theresa May tweeted on Tuesday: "My thoughts are with those who were injured in the suspected terrorist attack in Manchester last night. I thank the emergency services for their courageous response."

Sam Clack, a BBC producer who works in the city, was on a platform at Manchester Victoria when he witnessed the attack.

Thinking of those injured in Manchester last night, their families and loved ones. Thanks to our emergency services for their professionalism and bravery in dealing with this suspected terror attack. — Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) January 1, 2019

He said: "I just heard this most blood curdling scream and looked down the platform.

"What it looked like was a guy in his 60s with a woman of similar age and another guy all dressed in black.

"It looked like they were having a fight, but she was screaming in this blood curdling way. I saw police in high-viz come towards him. He came towards me.

Image: The victims' injuries have been described as serious but not life-threatening

"I looked down and saw he had a kitchen knife with a black handle with a good, 12-inch blade. It was just fear, pure fear."

Mr Clack said police officers used a Taser and pepper spray before "six or seven" of them jumped on the man.

Ian Hopkins, chief constable of Great Manchester Police, called the incident a "horrific attack on people simply out to enjoy the New Year's Eve celebrations".

He said British Transport Police officers had showed "incredible bravery" in tackling and detaining the suspect - who remains in custody in Manchester.

"We're currently searching an address in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, where it's believed the man has most recently been living," said the chief constable.

Great Manchester mayor Andy Burnham also paid tribute the heroism of the police and said the "vile attack" appeared to be an isolated incident.

:: Anyone with pictures or video of the incident is asked to send it to fib@gmp.police.uk. Anyone with information can call 0161 8563400.