Dale Dean launched at his victim with the huge blade in front of a family in the Breightmet shop
20:00, 23 Feb 2026Updated 20:09, 23 Feb 2026
CCTV has revealed the horror moment a thug unleashed a machete attack in a Bolton shop as children were forced to cower in terror. Dale Dean began violently attacking his victim with the huge blade at the off licence on Kentmere Road in Breightmet last year.
Police raced to the scene at around 7.50pm on April 5 to reports of a man with a machete. When they arrived, they found one man had been attacked, with the inside of the shop also badly left badly damaged by Dale.
The victim sustained several injuries including to his head and shoulder. He was rushed to hospital following the incident and was struggling with sleeping and pain, a court heard.
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Following the incident, police said that the drama had also been witnessed by other shoppers including children who ‘must have been extremely frightened’.
Children witnessed the horror attack(Image: GMP)
Footage, now exclusively shared with the Manchester Evening News, has shown the moment Dale was seen standing beside the till on his phone while holding a packet of wipes. At the time, a mum and her two children are being served by the member of staff.
Within a matter of seconds, two other men enter the shop, at which point Dale is seen cutting through a different aisle and suddenly charging at them with the huge blade. They run up the aisle and attempt to block Dale by throwing a shelf in his path.
Dale Dean was seen striking his victim with the blade(Image: GMP)
The two children and their mum are seen cowering in the corner in terror as Dale again launches at one man and is seen slamming down the machete. He then proceeds to lean over the counter repeatedly reign blows with the knife, pushing off shelves of items onto the floor. He climbs on top of the counter and again lashes down with the blade before making off.
The incident was caught on CCTV(Image: GMP)
Greater Manchester Police said Dale also caused ‘extensive damage’ to the inside of the shop before fleeing the scene. He was later arrested after detectives launched an investigation.
The 27-year-old, of Upper West Grove in Manchester, plead guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, possession of a bladed article and affray. He was jailed for six years at Manchester Crown Court on February 20.
The court also imposed an additional 20‑month extended licence period upon his release due to the seriousness of the offence and the danger he poses to the public.
Dale Dean was jailed for six years at Manchester Crown Court(Image: GMP)
Detective Constable Jordan Brown, of the Bolton Criminal Investigation Department, said: “This was a shocking and violent incident that left the victim with serious injuries and caused fear within the community. Dean’s actions were deliberate, dangerous, and showed a blatant disregard for the safety of others.
“Dean used or threatened unlawful violence, causing significant fear to those nearby, and was found to be carrying a machete without lawful reason. We welcome today’s sentence, which reflects the gravity of the offences. Our officers will continue to take decisive action against those who carry weapons and commit violent offences on our streets.”