Arndale knife attack leaves three in hospital
- Four people have been injured, three are being treated in hospital
- A man in his 40's has been arrested
- Armed police still on the scene.
Three people have been taken to hospital after a serious knife attack at the Arndale Shopping centre.
The police have confirmed that 40-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 11, 2019
The Police were called to the Arndale around 11 o clock this morning after eyewitnesses reported a man running around ‘randomly’ lunging at people.
MMU Multimedia Journalism student Sian McGuinness was working inside the centre when the attack began.
She told Northern Quota: “Around 11.35am we heard alarms start to go off in the centre.
“We began evacuating the customers from the store and pointing them to the nearest exit before leaving ourselves.
“Outside of the Arndale, close to the Printworks, there were at least six ambulances and several police cars, including a dog unit.
“Police were reluctant to give staff or shoppers much information on the incident except there had been an incident involving a knife and someone had been detained.
“Around 30 minutes later the police put in a road block on Shudehill between the Arndale and the Printworks.
“It was clear from being evacuated that whoever was responsible for the stabbings had been arrested, so the atmosphere was more one of concern and frustration rather than frightened.”
Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “We would like to thank the public for their co-operation and of course to thank the police and others who are managing this situation.”
“We would encourage people not to speculate about this incident but to refer to trusted official sources for updates.”
Police have warned the public to expect a heavy police presence in the city centre. The Arndale and Exchange Square Metrolink station remain closed.
As part of our response to the incident at the #Manchester Arndale Shopping Centre, a rendezvous point has been established at Piccadilly Gardens, so you will see a large police presence in this area. Please don’t be alarmed.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 11, 2019
Anyone with any information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1055 of 11/10/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.