Manchester Arndale shopping centre evacuated: Police arrest Man as hundreds seen running from area
Shops in Market Street also temporarily evacuated as part of police operation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Fresh panic has struck Manchester following the evacuation of the Arndale Centre, where a man has been arrested.
Witnesses reported people running through nearby streets and shouting "run" on Tuesday morning.
Collette Nicholls, a member of staff from Superdrug, told the Manchester Evening News people were "running and screaming".
Follow the latest updates on our live blog here
"Then we were all told by our manager to come out," she added. "We're all a bit shook up."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said a man was arrested at the Arndale Centre, adding: "This is not currently believed to be connected to last night's attack."
There were unconfirmed reports the arrest came after a suspicious package was found in the Arndale centre's food court.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told The Independent she could not immediately confirm the cause of the temporary evacuation.
A large police cordon was been set up around the centre and Market Street, which has since been lifted.
It came after a suicide bombing killed at least 22 people at Manchester Arena in the worst terror attack to hit the UK since 7/7.
Police said the perpetrator, a man believed to be acting alone, died at the scene.
A 23-year-old man has been arrested in south Manchester in connection with the attack.
Ian Hopkins, the Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, said investigators believe the attack was carried out by a lone suicide bomber “carrying” a homemade device.
“The priority is to establish whether he was acting alone or as part of a network,” he added.
Theresa May said security services have identified the bomber but that it was too early in the investigation to publicly release his name.
No group has yet claimed responsibility for the atrocity, which came exactly two months after the Westminster attack and four years after the murder of Fusilier Lee Rigby in Woolwich.
Central Manchester was previously targeted by the Provisional IRA, which injured more than 200 people with a truck bomb detonated outside the Arndale Centre in 1996.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments