Police arrest man over Manchester attack that left Sikh priest with life-changing injuries
The 62-year-old was left unconscious in the city centre in June
Police have arrested a 28-year-old man following the serious assault of a Sikh priest in Manchester city centre in June.
The man was taken into custody on Wednesday and continues to be questioned by officers, Greater Manchester Police said.
The victim, a 62-year-old man, was left unconscious in the middle of the road following the attack, which took place in Tib Street on the evening of Thursday June 23.
He was later taken to hospital, where he has remained since. He suffered life-changing injuries during the assault.
CCTV inquiries revealed the victim had been assaulted by an unknown male close to the junction with Hilton Street. The offender then ran off, turning right onto Oldham Street.
On Saturday, police released CCTV footage of the attack, as well as pictures of a man and woman who they believed may be able to assist with the investigation.
In a statement on Saturday, the victim's family said: "On June 23 2022, our loving and caring husband/father, a 62-year-old Sikh priest, had his life tragically altered forever when a thug cowardly committed this heinous act, leaving him in a pool of blood with catastrophic permanent life-changing brain damage and walked away as if it was normal behaviour.
"A devoted husband and father who has lived, worked and supported a community in a city he has loved for 37 years and now cannot even leave the hospital."
They said he was "left for dead on the bustling streets of Manchester", adding that he was "mindlessly and violently" attacked.
"We read horrific things in the news but never expect it to happen to one of your own, a man who could not say a single hateful or negative comment, who taught those around him to practice kindness.
"We have lost the life of the party, the light in amongst any darkness in our lives and the laughter and joy he brought home every day, has disappeared and left our hearts vacant.
"We will sadly never get the man back who left for work that day and thought he would walk home to enjoy the nice weather."