UK stabbing suspect held under mental health law

A 25-year-old knife-wielding man arrested during a New Year's Eve terror attack in Manchester is being detained under the Mental Health Act after an assessment by medical experts, police said on Wednesday.

The man stabbed three people - including a police officer - at Manchester Victoria station before being arrested on Monday night.

Greater Manchester Police said the counter-terrorism investigation launched in the wake of the attack on Monday night remains ongoing, including a search of a property associated with the suspect in north Manchester.

"The 25-year-old man arrested following the incident at Manchester Victoria Station has been assessed by specialist medical staff and detained under the Mental Health Act. The Counter Terrorism investigation remains ongoing," Greater Manchester Police said in a statement.

"There is nothing to suggest the involvement of other people in this attack, but confirming this remains a main priority for the investigation," it said.

Footage of the aftermath of the attack showed a man being held down by five police officers, with blood stains on the pavement. Other footage showed the suspect shouting "Allahu Akbar" (God is great) as he was put in the back of a police van and he was also heard screaming "Long live the Caliphate."