Shocking footage shows knifeman attacking homeless men on random spree across Manchester city centre

28.01.2022 - 20:04 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

A knifeman who slashed five homeless men during a random spree across Manchester city centre has shown no remorse, investigators say.

Kieran McLoughlin, 32, slashed four men to the face, and another to the back during a 10-minute night time rampage across Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street.

Footage showing the shocking sequence of events has now been released as McLoughlin begins a lengthy spell behind bars.

READ MORE: Members of public feared potential terror attack as knifeman randomly slashed people during horrific ten minute stabbing spree

It shows panicked onlookers - who saw the attacks unfold from a raised Metrolink platform - confronting McLoughlin after his final stabbing.

A court has heard how members of the public feared the seemingly random knifings could have been a terrorist attack.

They were actually targeted attacks against vulnerable men who were begging on the streets.

McLoughlin was Tasered by police at Market Street tram stop.

He later claimed not have issued with homeless people, but said they 'should be getting off their a*** to do work'.

CCTV footage filmed that night shows McLoughlin approaching and attacking each of the victims.

During one incident he can be seen speaking briefly to the victim before suddenly lashing out and slashing him to the face.

McLoughlin can also be seen bending down to another man, who is sitting on the floor, before attacking him, before walking off and then returning to kick him.

Police worn body cam footage shows an officer running to the platform and bystanders intervening to try and detain the attacker - who had boarded a tram.

Detective Constable Lindsey Morgan, of Greater Manchester Police's Longsight CID, said: "We're pleased that McLoughlin is behind bars for