One of the victims died after being attacked in Moss Side

Kevin Platt, 30, and two other men, aged 21 and 24, were fatally stabbed within the space of a few hours in Farnworth, Hattersley and Moss Side.

Police are continuing to question two men on suspicion of murdering Mr Platt, who was found on Friday night.

The two other men killed in separate incidents are yet to be identified.

We are determined to reduce the number of offensive weapons on our streets Ass Ch Con Ian Seabridge, Greater Manchester Police

Ass Ch Con Ian Seabridge, of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: "The deaths of three men in separate incidents at the weekend shows how dangerous and devastating the use of knives and bladed weapons can be.

"I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the victims' families, and I want to reassure people that good headway is being made in the investigations."

Mr Seabridge said to have three people killed in knife attacks in one day was "very unusual".

"There is an average of just over 3,000 incidents involving knives and bladed weapons in Greater Manchester each year, which represents less than 1% of total crime," he added.

Pub argument

"GMP takes all such crime very seriously and we are determined to reduce the number of offensive weapons on our streets."

Mr Platt was discovered by officers on patrol outside a pub in Church Road, Farnworth, Bolton, at about 2315 GMT after spotting a group of men arguing.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to his stab wounds but died of his injuries.

Detectives in Bolton have been given extra time to question the men, aged 19 and 20, about the death of Mr Platt. A third was released on bail.

Seven people were arrested over the fatal stabbing of a 21-year-old man outside the Premier Lodge on Stockport Road, Hattersley in the early hours of Saturday.

The seven, aged between 17 and 25, were questioned on suspicion of murder and later released on bail pending further inquiries.

Not linked

The victim is yet to be formally identified by his family, Greater Manchester Police said.

The force is also investigating a third fatal stabbing in the Moss Side area of the city early on Saturday morning.

The 24-year-old man died in hospital following an incident at the Moss Side Community Centre on Westwood Street. He is also yet to be formally identified.