Teenager stabbed near Manchester's Arndale shopping centre

28 December 2019, 18:34 | Updated: 30 April 2021, 09:22

By Lizzie Longley

A 16-year-old boy has been taken to hospital after being stabbed near the Manchester Arndale shopping centre on Saturday afternoon.

Police were called to Church Street in Manchester city centre at 4:24 pm in response to reports of a stabbing.

The teenage boy was taken to hospital "with multiple stab wounds" and remains there in a "stable condition."

A cordon is in place on Church Street as officers continue their investigation.

Greater Manchester Police are yet to arrest anybody in relation to the stabbing.

In October, police detained a man under the Mental Health Act following an attack in the Arndale Centre where four people were injured.

Police responded to reports of a stabbing in Church Street
Police responded to reports of a stabbing in Church Street. Picture: Ollie C

Detective Inspector Jen Tattersall, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: "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.

"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.”

Stagecoach confirmed that a diversion had been put in place due to the incident outside the Arndale, with several of their bus routes being redirected.

Shortly after, they posted an update on Twitter saying that normal services had resumed along High Street.

Metrolink trams also experienced minor delays "due to anti-social behaviour" and apologised for any inconvenience caused.

A spokesperson for Manchester Arndale said: "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."

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.