Man sentenced to nine years after knife attacks in Wigan town centre
The Detective Constable leading the case described the attack as "entirely unprovoked"
Last updated 9th Feb 2026
A man has been sentenced today at Bolton Crown Court after carrying out a series of violent knife attacks in Wigan town centre in August 2025.
Charles McMurray (23/08/1989), of Satchel Close, Wigan, pled guilty to multiple counts of Section 18 wounding with intent, threatening a person with a bladed article and threats to kill. He's been sentenced to nine years and nine months.
The court heard that McMurray arrived on Wallgate at around 6.33am on the 9th of August before entering a taxi office, where he stabbed two men without warning.
The victims fled, and McMurray pursued them towards the town centre.
McMurray went on to threaten a passer‑by at Wigan bus station and held a knife to the man’s stomach. A short time later, he located the injured victims on Standishgate and assaulted one of them again.
Following that assault, he chased after another member of the public with the knife shouting that he’s going to kill him.
Police officers arrived at 6.50am and found McMurray in possession of the knife. He was quickly arrested at the scene, and the weapon was recovered.
Speaking about the case, Detective Constable Harris from Wigan CID who led the investigation said: “This was an entirely unprovoked attack which left multiple victims requiring hospital treatment. McMurray is a dangerous and violent offender who is now safely behind bars.
“Knives have no place on our streets, and we hope today’s sentence shows just how seriously we take knife crime. Our communities should feel safe where they live and work, and we are committed to tackling knife crime to ensure no family has to face their loved ones being harmed.
“It is a testament to the brave victims who not only endured this attack but had the courage to provide detailed accounts together with the impact this has had on them; that we have been able to ensure McMurray has been brought to justice. I’d also like to thank the officers who worked tirelessly across this investigation and continue to be there to support our communities to keep our streets safe.”