First responders rushed into the alley after receiving reports of a stabbing. Towards the dead-end of the narrow passageway, they found a teenage boy lying in a pool of blood and on the brink of death. Paramedics went to work, fighting to keep him alive as his organs began to fail. He had suffered two severe stab wounds – the first to his chest and the second deep into his abdomen. A large kitchen knife lay on the ground beside his body.

The attack in the alleyway was witnessed by the victims teenage friend, who told police the pair had been walking through Goose Green sipping on soft drinks they had bought from a nearby McDonald’s fast food outlet, when they were accosted by a man aged in his 20s, wearing a black hoodie, black jeans, and white baseball cap. The unknown man had tried to grab one of the teenagers and drag them into the alley. In the ensuing scuffle, the assailant pulled out a knife and stabbed the victim twice before fleeing the scene.

Following the attack, Greater Manchester Police put out a public appeal to identify the suspect. Newspapers were soon reporting alleged sightings of the perpetrator, with The Manchester Evening News announcing someone who fit the description was later seen at Altrincham’s Metrolink station.

With no clue to suggest a motive, police were worked swiftly – concerned the unknown assailant may strike again. Meanwhile, investigators retrieved footage from the few CCTV cameras in the Goose Green area and discovered they were in luck – one camera faced directly towards the alleyway where the teenager was attacked…

________

Our episodes deal with serious and often distressing incidents. If you feel at anytime you need support, please contact your local crisis centre. Some suggestions for confidential support for men, women and children:

AUSTRALIA:

Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: Depression and anxiety support: 1300 22 46 36

Rape & Domestic Violence Services: 1800 737 732

Men's Line: 1300 78 99 78

Headspace: Youth Mental Health Foundation: see headspace.org.au for your local centre

USA:

Distress &  Lifeline: 1800 273 8255

Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741 741

Domestic Violence Helpline: 1800 799 7233

Victim Connect: support for victims of crime: 855 484 2846

MTC program: maketheconnection.net/resources/spread-the-word

UK:

Mind: mental health support: 0300 123 3393

SANE: mental health support: 0300 304 7000

Samaritans support network: 116 123

National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300

CANADA:

For a list of Canadian crisis centres: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/call/

NEW ZEALAND:

Lifeline: 0800 543354

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (Text 4202)

CREDITS

NARRATION:

Episode narrated by the Anonymous Host

EPISODE:

This episode of Casefile was researched and written by Eileen Ormsby, whose latest book The Darkest Web – Drugs, Death and Destroyed Lives: The Inside Story of the Internet’s Evil Twin is available now!

MUSIC:

‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro www.dl-sounds.com

All other music and audio clean up performed by Mike Migas and Andrew Joslyn 

OTHER:

Logo design by Paulina Szymanska

THIS EPISODE’S SPONSORS

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