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Four people have been stabbed by a knifeman inside Manchester Arndale.
One person is said to be seriously injured following the attacks outside the Next store inside the shopping center.
Counter Terror officers are leading the investigation but police say they are keeping an open mind about the motivation of the ‘terrible incident.’
A man in his 40 s has been arrested at the scene on suspicion of serious assault.
One video, recorded outside the shopping mall on Church Street, shows officers deploying a Taser and holding a man to the group.
The Arndale was evacuated and Exchange Square metrolink station has been closed but many people working in and close to the Arndale have been put on lockdown.
More to follow …
Chris Slate r
‘It looked like he had stabbed her back. There was blood pouring from her and she just fell to the floor ‘
An Arndale shopper, who witnessed a woman being stabbed, said:
“I ‘d just gone for my morning coffee and was walking past Starbucks when I heard a woman scream.
“I span around and saw this guy who had a knife in
”It looked like he had stabbed her back. There was blood pouring from her and she just fell to the floor.
”As soon as I saw the knife I just ran as fast as I could and was warning
”Everyone was looking down from the first floor and there was real panic, people screaming.
”The police were there in minutes and then we were evacuated.
“ I can’t describe what it was like. It was like a nightmare. Like something out of a horror film. It was awful. I can’t get that image out of my head. ”
Simon Smith
Police appeal for anyone with footage to get in touch
Simon Smith
Arrested man moved to custody of specialist anti-terror officers
The man arrested by police has now been transferred into the custody of specialist anti-terror officers, a source has told us.
Simon Smith
Witnesses describe moment knifeman started ‘lunging at people’ in Manchester Arndale
Eyewitnesses to the Manchester Arndale attack say the man was ‘going for as many people as possible’. Here’s our round-up of what people who were there have told us …
Scene shortly after attack
This was the scene shortly after the attack:
Steve Robson
Nothing to suggest possible second attacker
The Manchester Evening News understands there is nothing to suggest there is a possible second attacker.
Workers and shoppers around the Arndale are understandably upset and worried and we have been told of several rumors of a second knifeman.
However, sources have told the MEN that police have no evidence to support this.
Latest statement from police – four people injured during incident
Police are now saying four people were injured during the incident, not five as
Here’s the full statement from GMP:
We were called to reports of a multiple stabbing at the Arndale shopping center at 11. 15 am earlier today (Friday) ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* (October) ).
At this stage we believe that four people were injured during the incident – not five as previously reported. We will update as the situation becomes clear.
A 19 – year-old woman– was taken to hospital with stab wounds. Another woman was also taken to hospital with stab injuries. Both their conditions are described as stable.
A man in his 50 s has also been taken to hospital with stab wounds.
A fourth victim – a woman in her 40 s – who was not stabbed – has been assessed and did not need to go to hospital following assessment by paramedics.
A man in his 40 s – who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of serious assault – remains in custody for questioning.
We will keep you updated and please continue to follow @gmpolice for updates.
Trafford Center has armed police on patrol
The Trafford Center says it has stepped up security, and armed police are on patrol as a ‘precaution’.
Here’s their full statement:
“We’re aware of the incident at Manchester Arndale this morning. Our thoughts are with all of those affected by this incident. ”
“ To provide a reassuring presence for our customers and staff, we have increased the number of security patrols and there’ll be a more visible security presence on the mall. Armed police officers are also on site, but these are all precautionary measures only.
“The safety and security of everyone at intu Trafford Center is our priority. We have well-rehearsed security measures in place and a very close relationship with Greater Manchester Police. If anyone has any concerns, please speak to a member of our staff or a police officer. ”
Simon Smith
‘People were panicking and running as security staff were running the other way’
Tina Concar, 52, from Miles Platting, Manchester, said she was evacuated from the Arndale Center after the attack.
“We only knew something was unfolding as loads of people started running towards us, at first shouting ‘bomb’.
“But then someone mentioned that a person had been stabbed. People were panicking and running as security staff were running the other way. ”
Images from the scene
We’ve put together a gallery of images gathered from the Arndale and around the city center:
Steve Robson
Response for dealing with ‘suspected marauding terror attack’ kicked in – but has now been downgraded
The Manchester Evening News understands that in the immediate aftermath of this incident police declared Operation PLATO, the pre -arranged response for emergency services when dealing with a suspected marauding terror attack.
That has since been downgraded, the MEN understands.
Nevertheless, Counter Terrorism officers are leading the invest igation given the nature and location of the incident.
City center spokesman’s reaction
Manchester council’s city center spokesman Pat Karney with his reaction to the Arndale stabbings:
Simon Smith
Boris Johnson says he is ‘shocked’ by Arndale Center attack
Boris Johnson says he is ‘shocked’ by the Manchester Arndale attack. Here’s our story about what he had to say …
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What we know so far
We’ve pulled together all the information we know so far into a new story that we’ve just published.
Ambulances are leaving the scene
Simon Smith
Councillor Nigel Murphy, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“We are aware of an incident at the Arndale Center this morning. Our thoughts are with those who have been injured.
“This incident is under control and Greater Manchester Police and other emergency services are at the scene. It would be helpful if people could stay away from the scene to allow them to do their work.
“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.”
Changes to public transport
There are a number of changes to tram and bus services as a result of today’s incident .
Full details here:
Statement from North West Ambulance Service
We are dealing with an incident in Manchester city center.
We have a number of resources at the scene and we are working with our emergency service partners to manage the incident.
We can confirm that four people have been stabbed and taken to hospital.
Neal Keeling
Fire engines in Piccadilly Gardens as emergency services hold ‘Gold’ meeting
Five fire engines have been deployed to Piccadilly Gardens as part of a rendezvous between emergency services in the wake of the attack.
Both fire, police, a nd ambulance service commanders are attending a “gold” meeting to assess the nature of the attack and the level of potential threat to the public.
Sam Yarwood
Police ‘working to ensure site is secure’ – Arndale workers told to stay where they are
People inside the Arndale are being told that police are ‘working to ensure the site i s secure ‘.
This is what Arndale workers are being told:
“The police are currently working to ensure the site is secure.
“If you are still on site, please remain where you are.
“ We will be in touch when there is a further update. ”
Statement from Starbucks, where the incident is believed to have started
“We are aware of this incident and are supporting local authorities as they respond . Our immediate priority is the wellbeing of our partners (employees) and customers in the area, and we will refer all further questions to the Greater Manchester Police Department. ”
Simon Smith
Latest images show there is still a large police presence around the Arndale
Simon Smith
‘Shocked at this horrific incident ‘
Manchester councillor Pat Karney, who has responsibility for the city center, says he is expecting an update from police soon
Sam Yarwood
Ambulance taking casualty away from Arndale
This image from our photographer on the scene shows a female casualty being taken away
Video: Armed police and ambulances on scene
This video shows armed police and ambulances on Corporation Street near the entrance to the Arndale Center:
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Police looking at ‘what man said’ during incident
It is understood that police are investigating whether this is a terror attack based on what the man said during the incident.
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Five people stabbed: Counter Terrorism police are leading the investigation
Police confirm counter-terror officers are leading this investigation. Here’s the statement from GMP:
Specialist officers are continuing to respond to an incident at the Arndale shopping center in #Manchester city center.
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.
A man in his 40 s – who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of serious assault – remains in custody for questioning.
Follow @gmpolice for any updates.
Alexandra Rucki
Alarm and helicopter
MEN reporter Chris Slater says an alarm can be heard, while helicopters are circling overhead.
More pictures of the scene outside the Arndale
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