The Manchester Police have arrested a man suspected to be behind the stabbing of three people at the Manchester Arndale shopping centre on Friday afternoon.
According to reports by Evening Standard, the man whose identity is yet to be revealed to the public was arrested on suspicion of a terror offence after three people were stabbed in the Manchester Arndale shopping centre.
The suspect who is believed to be in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of an act of terrorism, Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson said.
The three stab victims at the Manchester Arndale shopping centre were taken to hospital, with the North West Ambulance Service saying one person suffered “serious injuries”.
Greater Manchester Police said two other people were injured, one with superficial injuries and another who was caught up in the attack but did not require treatment. Police initially reported five people had been stabbed
“A man in his 50s has also been taken to hospital with stab wounds.”
It added: “A fourth victim – a woman in her 40s who was not stabbed – has been assessed and did not need to go to hospital following assessment by paramedics.
“A man in his 40s – who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of serious assault – remains in custody for questioning.”
Social media posts showed a large number of officers at the scene and a suspect being Tasered.
“A man in his 40s – who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of serious assault – remains in custody for questioning.”
Social media posts showed a large number of officers at the scene and a suspect being Tasered.
Mr Houlder added: “Luckily she had quite a thick jacket – she thought originally it was a fake knife because of how easily it grazed off but the police came in and said it was a real knife and she burst into tears.”
He said he was evacuated several minutes later at which point he saw “a bunch of curtains covering someone seriously injured or dead, I don’t know”.
David Allinson, centre director at Manchester Arndale, said: “A serious incident has taken place at Manchester Arndale this morning.
“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.”