Counter-terrorism police are investigating after five people were stabbed at a shopping centre in central Manchester by a man who was "lunging at multiple people" at random.
A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have said.
North West Ambulance Service said they were called out at 11.17am to a stabbing incident.
In a statement, GMP said: "Specialist officers are continuing to respond to an incident at the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester city centre.
"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 40s – who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of serious assault – remains in custody for questioning."
Shocked by the incident in Manchester and my thoughts are with the injured and all those affected. Thank you to our excellent emergency services who responded and who are now investigating what happened.
— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) October 11, 2019
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: "Shocked by the incident in Manchester and my thoughts are with the injured and all those affected. Thank you to our excellent emergency services who responded and who are now investigating what happened."
A shop worker, who gave his name only as Jordan, 23, described a man "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."
Jordan, who has only been working at the centre for a few months, said the attack took place on the ground floor.
Footage from the scene appeared to show an officer pointing a Taser gun at a man lying on the ground.
Other social media content showed police officers running through the centre and several emergency services vehicles parked outside.
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Witnesses say that people have been evacuated from the Arndale shopping centre.
Freddie Houlder, 22, from MRead More – Source
