THREE teenagers have been arrested after a 16-year-old boy was stabbed in a "mass brawl" outside a restaurant.

Police said they were called to a disturbance involving a dispute between a group of youths at eastZeast in Bury New Road, Whitefield, shortly before 9.55pm on Saturday.

The 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital with "life-changing" injuries where he remains for treatment.

One officer who attended the scene has revealed that dozens of youngsters were involved. 

Sgt Callum Wall tweeted: "Incident" probably doesn't do it justice... Let's try mass brawl with 50-60 kids which resulted in a stabbing of a teenager, another teenager being arrested for possession of a bladed article and a 15 year old female racially abusing @TruckerMozzi."

Following the incident, a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and possession of a bladed article. He has since been released under investigation.

Yesterday, two teenage boys – aged 15 and 17 – were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and section 18 assault, and remain in custody for questioning.

Following the stabbing, a police cordon was installed across the alley where the 16-year-old had been sat.

Police were seen searching the grass verges as part of their investigation. Residents reported that they were working at the site until the early hours of the morning.

Chris Clayton, head chef at Ivano's Italian restaurant which is located next door to eastZeast, said: "Two teenagers ran into our restaurant some time after 9pm. They were scared. They had been at someone's 14th or 15th birthday party at eastZeast. They were saying that their friend had been stabbed.

"We phoned the police. There was a lot of screaming and shouting outside.

"The young lad who had been stabbed was on the floor lying against the wall in the alley between the two restaurants.

"He was bleeding. One of our chefs fetched him a couple of towels and offered help.

"It wasn't long before the ambulance and police arrived."

An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.

Chief Inspector Jamie Collins, of GMP’s Bury district, said: “We have specialist officers supporting the victim and his family as he continues to receive treatment in hospital and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.

“We have a team of dedicated detectives working hard to review all of the relevant footage from the incident and I would like to thank those witnesses who have come forward with information so far.

“You play a key role in our enquiries and I would like to encourage others that may have vital information or footage to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8181 or 101 quoting incident number 2442 of 30/03/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.