Market Square carnival turns into scare-ground after daylight stabbing

Horrified parents and children fled in fear after a man was stabbed in front of them during a daytime attack at a fairground.

Police were called after a man was slashed with a blade at around 1.45pm on Sunday in the middle of Nottingham.

The shocking incident took place next to a Dumbo fairground ride at Nottingham Riviera – an artificial beach which has opened in Market Square.

Witnesses said mums and dads ran in terror after the attack unfolded in front of their eyes, while some children were enjoying the funfair rides.

One man was arrested while another was rushed to the Queen’s Medical Centre with injuries to his head and hand.

Officers cordoned off the area,including the beach and fairground attractions,  before conducting a forensic examination of the scene.

Yesterday Inspector Michael Hilton, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “There was obviously a dispute between them but the details of which we do not yet know.

“There was a small weapon involved, which we believe to be a pen knife.

“One male has been arrested and is in police custody.

“The other person has received treatment.

“Being where it was, police were able to respond quickly.

“Understandably people were quite scared, with it being sunny and in front of children.”

Onlookers said one of the men, aged in his 20s,  pulled out a knife and lunged at another male, also in his 20s, before running off from the scene.

One mother, who asked not to be named, said: “Two guys were fighting, punching each other and apparently one of them got stabbed.

“I didn’t see it but my daughter was there and she saw it  she’s twelve.

“There was a lot of blood everywhere, it was pouring out of him.

“It’s awful, I can’t believe that it has happened here where there are so many families.

“It makes you feel like you can’t go anywhere.

“One of the workers went to get the police, you just don’t expect it.”

Sanna Laakkonen, 34, who was visiting from Finland, said “We were there and we were quite close.

“We just heard some shouting and saw two men fighting.

“A couple of minutes later the police turned up and a security guard was also there. It happened about 1.45pm.”

Nottinghamshire Police have asked any witnesses to come forward with information by calling them on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.