Nando’s knife attacker who claimed to be terrorist detained under Mental Health Act

Police say Ali Algdaner made ‘false’ claims that he was a terrorist and had planted bombs in the Arndale Centre

The man targeted a waitress in Nando’s and threatened staff  (AFP via Getty Images)

A man who launched a knife attack in Nando’s restaurant and claimed to be a terrorist has been detained indefinitely under the Mental Health Act.

Ali Algdaner, 27, grabbed a handful of cutlery before stabbing a 20-year-old waitress in the back inside the Arndale Centre.

Greater Manchester Police said he approached other staff members and customers, before moving to the restaurant next door on 18 October 2019.

The shopping centre was evacuated and Algdaner was pursued by members of staff before armed police arrived.

“While in police custody, Algander made false admissions that he was a terrorist and that he had planted bombs in the centre but a thorough search of the building ensued and no suspicious items were found,” a police spokesperson said.

“Algander continued to state he had committed a terrorist attack and was subsequently assessed by mental health specialists before being detained under the Mental Health Act. He has since been remanded in a specialist hospital.”

On Friday, he was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983.

He had previously admitted affray, assault causing actual bodily harm and communicating false information causing a bomb hoax at Manchester Crown Court.

Greater Manchester Police said he would spend an indefinite time in hospital, and would have to be assessed before being considered for release.

DC Annabel Lewis said: “The actions of Algander on that Friday evening last year caused great distress to all those that were targeted and involved in this frightening ordeal.

“While one woman was stabbed during this incident, it is fortunate that Algander’s actions did not result in any further casualties, and this is in part due to the swift response of staff at the Arndale in evacuating the premises, and the subsequent work from our specialist officers at the scene.”

She added: “It is clear that Algander was, and remains, a danger to the public and we are satisfied that today’s verdict keeps the streets of Manchester a safer place until he is deemed fit enough to return to society.”

The incident followed another knife attack the week before, when another man was detained under the Mental Health Act after stabbing several people.