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Those living close to a park in east Manchester where a teenage boy was found seriously injured have spoken of their shock and horror. Police say they were called to reports of a 'disturbance' at Philips Park at around 9pm on Sunday night (April 23).

There they found a 15-year-old unconscious having suffered serious injuries. He was taken hospital to for treatment. A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily and remains in custody for questioning.

Police stress their enquiries to 'understand the full circumstances' are ongoing. Nearby residents said Fernclough Street on the border of Clayton and Miles Platting was blocked immediately afterwards with paramedics and officers shining torches seen making their way inside.

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And they now say they have been left upset but also taken aback and worried after confirmation of what happened.

Paul Shortman, 40, said: "The first I was aware was when I dropped my step-daughter off at school, there was a police van parked there. It was only when I came back I noticed there was more police activity and then my wife saw something on Facebook.

"It's shocking, it really is. It's normally really quiet around here. Clayton has got a bad reputation but round here especially, it's always very quiet. We don't normally have any trouble. I have two sons, one's 16 and one is 14, so it's worrying. Very worrying. It's not good at all.

"My kids play in the park all the time but it would you make you think twice about letting them now. It's sad. I just hope he makes a full recovery."

A resident on Stuart Street East who didn't want to be named said: "I saw the police, all the blue lights last night. There were about five or six police cars, and what looked like paramedics with backpacks and they blocked the road off.

"It's a shock. A 15-year-old boy being seriously injured, I just don't know what's happening with young people at the moment. It's such a shame. I just hope he pulls through.

Another man who lives nearby agreed. He said: "I believe they were there last night but the first time I saw them was first thing this morning. It's very quiet here, we don't normally have any problems so it's definitely a bit of a shock. You do kids hanging around in there but that's it really."

However, a neighbour said: "It's definitely a shock to have something like that happen so close and I hope he's okay. But it's never a nice park in the first place. You get a lot of people hanging around in there, especially at night. I wouldn't walk through it. In the day I would but definitely not at night.."

A cordon remained until around 3pm today (Monday) with two police tents initially erected as forensic crime scene investigation (CSI) officers combed the area for clues.

Inspector Charlotte Quinn said the force 'believe this to have been a targeted attack and are treating it as an isolated incident.'

"We are still trying to understand the full circumstances and are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area of Philips Park last night between 8:40pm and 9:10pm and may have seen or heard anything," she said.

"Likewise if you have footage that could assist with enquiries - including mobile, CCTV or dashcam - please get in touch. You can make a report by calling 0161 856 1146 quoting incident number 3098 of 23.04.2023, or via the LiveChat function on GMP's website: http://www.gmp.police.uk.

"Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

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Locals' shock after 15-year-old boy found unconscious and seriously injured in park - Manchester Evening News