A TEENAGER who was stabbed at the Parklife festival in Heaton Park has described the shocking moment he was attacked.

Lewis Smith, aged 18, was the victim of an unprovoked attack, which left him with stomach wounds, during the music event on Sunday, June 7.

He admitted he was “very lucky” not to suffer more serious injuries after paramedics treated his wounds with stitches.

Mr Smith was with his girlfriend and pals outside the Drop The Mustard tent when he was kicked from behind.

He told his attacker he didn’t want any trouble, but was dragged to the floor and then stabbed.
The attacker fled the scene, although it is believed he returned while he was being treated.

Mr Smith, a plasterer from Nelson, said: “It was a totally unprovoked thing, we hadn’t even made eye contact before he came up to me and started kicking me and threatening me.

“I was just stood there with my friends and my girlfriend and it came out of nowhere. It is the last thing you ever expect to happen.

“It all happened in the space of 60 seconds, so fast that I couldn’t really realise what was happening or see the guy’s face clearly.”

Mr Smith, who turned 18 this week, added: “I know I have been very lucky not to be more seriously injured. All I’ve needed was stitches that the paramedics put in and they have come out now.”

The attack took place at around 7.45pm and police have released an efit image of the attacker.

He is described as white, aged in his early 20s, of slim build, with long mousey coloured brown hair and brown or hazel eyes. He was wearing a dark coloured coat. He was believed to be with two other men.

Detective Constable Rick Pack said: “This was a completely unprovoked and violent attack on someone who was, up until that point, having a good time with his girlfriend and friends.

“The victim was stabbed between the rib cage and stomach and is lucky not to have suffered more serious injury.

“We believe after the stabbing, the offender returned when the victim was being treated by paramedics. Thanks to witnesses, we now have an e-fit and I would ask anyone who may recognise it to contact police.

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 3228 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.