Manchester stabbing suspect 'had manual on lethal ways to strike with a knife', court hears

The station was placed on lockdown after the stabbings at the busy transport hub
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A terror suspect who is accused of attempted murder after a brutal stabbing in Manchester on New Year's Eve had a manual of "lethal ways to strike with a knife", a court heard.

Mahdi Mohamud, 25, was arrested after a couple in their 50s were stabbed several times at the city's Victoria railway station at around 9pm on December 31.

Mr Mohamud appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged with three counts of attempted murder.

He was also charged with a further offence alleging possession of a "document or record likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism".

Mahdi Mohamud appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday
REUTERS

The court was told the terror charge was linked to a document entitled "the seven most lethal ways to strike with a knife".

Anna Charlton and James Knox were stabbed as they entered the Metrolink area of the station.

Mr Knox suffered 13 injuries including a skull fracture, the court heard.

Ms Charlton's right lung was punctured and she suffered a forehead injury, the court was also told.

Officers stand guard as the area was sealed off following the stabbings at Manchester Victoria Station
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British Transport Police Sergeant Lee Valentine was also stabbed in the shoulder as he responded to the incident.

He was wearing five layers of clothing which prevented a serious injury.

Sgt Valentine and three other BTP officers were the first on the scene before pepper spray and Tasers were used to detain the suspect.

Prime Minister Theresa May later joined the BTP in commending emergency services for their response to the incident at the station next to the Manchester Arena, where suicide bomber Salman Abedi killed 22 people in May 2017.

Mohamud, of Cheetham Hill, Manchester, appeared by video link and spoke to confirm his name, address, date of birth and Dutch nationality.

His solicitor, Nasir Hafezi, told the court no pleas would be indicated.

Chief magistrate Emma Arbuthnot remanded Mohamud in custody ahead of a hearing at Oxford Crown Court on June 21.

Additional reporting by Press Association.