This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-50014205
The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Manchester Arndale stabbings: Five injured as man arrested | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Five people have been stabbed in an attack at the Arndale Centre in Manchester city centre. | |
The shopping centre has been evacuated and trams have stopped operating at Exchange Square outside the entrance. | |
Police said there had been no reports of fatalities and counter-terror officers were leading the investigation but "keeping an open mind". | |
A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault. | A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault. |
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "We can confirm that five people have been stabbed and taken to hospital. | |
"In these early stages, we are keeping an open mind about the motivation of this terrible incident and the circumstances as we know them. | |
"Given the location of the incident and its nature officers from Counter Terrorism Police North West are leading the investigation as we determine the circumstances." | |
Social media posts have shown a large number of officers at the scene and the suspect being Tasered. | Social media posts have shown a large number of officers at the scene and the suspect being Tasered. |
An image sent to the Manchester Evening News appears to show a patient being treated by a Starbucks cafe in the centre. | An image sent to the Manchester Evening News appears to show a patient being treated by a Starbucks cafe in the centre. |
David Allinson, centre director of Manchester Arndale, said: "The centre has been evacuated while police investigate the incident. | |
"We are unable to comment any further as the incident is currently being handled by Greater Manchester Police, who we will continue to support with their investigation." | |
Labour councillor Pat Karney, for Harpurhey and Collyhurst, tweeted: "Armed police on guard. Shocking scenes right out of a movie but real people with injuries." | |
A shop worker, who gave his name only as Jordan, 23, said: "A man was running around with a knife lunging at multiple people, one of which came into my store visibly shaken with a small graze. | A shop worker, who gave his name only as Jordan, 23, said: "A man was running around with a knife lunging at multiple people, one of which came into my store visibly shaken with a small graze. |
"Soon after, security staff told all retail staff to close their doors and move the public to the back of the stores." | "Soon after, security staff told all retail staff to close their doors and move the public to the back of the stores." |
Jordan, who has only been working at the centre for a few months, said the attack took place on the ground floor. | Jordan, who has only been working at the centre for a few months, said the attack took place on the ground floor. |
Freddie Houlder, 22, from Market Drayton, Shropshire, said he heard "a load of screams just outside" the shop he was in. | |
He said a woman then came into the shop and told others "a guy just ran past the shop and tried to stab me". | |
"Luckily she had quite a thick jacket - she thought originally it was a fake knife because of how easily it grazed off but police came in and said it was a real knife and she burst into tears," he added. | |
Are you in the area? If it is safe for you to do so please get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. | Are you in the area? If it is safe for you to do so please get in touch by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk. |
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: | Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also contact us in the following ways: |
Or use the form below: | Or use the form below: |