Police descend on shopping centre after teen stabbed in ‘serious incident’

A teenager has been rushed to hospital this evening after being repeatedly stabbed outside Manchester's Arndale Centre.

The area has been sealed off and emergency services have descended on the scene following the 'serious incident' at 4.24pm.

The 16-year-old victim is in a stable condition in hospital, according to police who have described it as an "isolated" attack.

Dozens of ambulances and police cars have been pictured outside the centre, while a video has emerged showing a person being taken away in a stretcher.

One person has also described seeing 'splatters of blood' near the scene.

An Arndale Centre spokesperson confirmed a "serious incident took place outside".

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They told the Manchester Evening News: “We can confirm that a serious incident took place outside the centre this afternoon.

“The incident is currently under police investigation and we are unable to comment further."

Greater Manchester Police initially tweeted: "Officers are currently dealing with an assault on Church Street, junction with High Street. A scene is in place and officers will be remaining in the area."

They later confirmed: "A teenager has been stabbed in Manchester city centre.

"At around 16:24pm, police were called to Church Street to reports of a stabbing.

"Emergency services attended and a 16-year-old boy was taken to hospital with multiple stab wounds. He remains there in a stable condition.

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"A cordon is in place on Church Street as investigation work continues.

"No arrests have been made."

Detective Inspector Jen Tattersall, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, described it as "an awful incident".

She added: “This is an awful incident, which has left a teenage boy in hospital and my thoughts are with him as he receives treatment.

 “I understand that this incident and a large police presence in the city centre is likely to cause concern among members of the public. However, I would like to reassure those worried that we believe this to be an isolated incident.

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“This happened in a busy part of town and at a busy time of the day and as such, there are bound to have been witnesses.

"If you saw anything or have any mobile phone footage of the incident, then please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Buses are being diverted from the scene.

One person tweeted: "Saw a guy get taken out in a stretcher by the arndale on my way to work, not good."

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Another said: "Anyone know what's going down at the Arndale/Church Street? Looks pretty major…"

While a third wrote: "Saw the person on the stretcher. Not good."

Tess Page, who lives nearby, came home to find police had cordoned off a large area.

She saw splatters of blood in the street and a number of officers carrying out interviews.

Tess told the MEN: “They were interviewing a man who was talking about what happened.

‘It looked to me like something that had started somewhere else and finished somewhere else.

“There just seemed to be a massive police presence.”

Mirror Online has contacted North West Ambulance Service for a comment

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 4409, quoting incident number 1938 28/12/2019.

Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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