A 40-year-old man arrested in connection with the stabbing of five people at the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester on Friday has been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Greater Manchester Police say that five people were stabbed and, although some of the injuries were described as “nasty”, none are thought to be life-threatening. They were taken to hospital.
A 40-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of serious assault and was subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of an act of terrorism, Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson of GMP told a press conference on Friday afternoon.
He added that investigators did not believe anyone else was involved in the attack.
At around 9.30pm on Friday evening, police confirmed that the male suspect has now been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Police issued the following statement:
“Enquiries are continuing in relation to the attack at the Arndale Shopping Centre earlier today.
“The 40-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of committing a terrorism offence, has now been assessed by specialist doctors and compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act.
“The investigation will continue in order to fully understand the motives behind the attack.
“There is not believed to be any wider threat to the communities of Greater Manchester and the attacker is believed to have acted alone.
“We are continuing to ask that any images or footage that may have been taken at the scene is provided to police via http://www.ukpoliceimageappeal.co.uk/
“Anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation should call 0161 856 0394.”
We know that many people will have been deeply affected by today’s incident at the #Arndale shopping centre in #Manchester city centre. If you need help and support, you can contact the dedicated victim support service on 0808 168 9111 where support is available 24/7. pic.twitter.com/GFI3Cy3tgA
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) October 11, 2019
WATCH: The full statement from ACC Jackson earlier on Friday
Police said in an earlier statement: "We were called to reports of a multiple stabbing at the Arndale shopping centre at 11.15am earlier today (Friday 11 October 2019).
"A 19-year-old woman was taken to hospital with stab wounds. Another woman was also taken to hospital with stab injuries. Both their conditions are described as stable.
"A man in his 50s has also been taken to hospital with stab wounds.
"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.
"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."
North West Ambulance Service’s Medical Director, Chris Grant, said at around 3pm: “We can now confirm that we have been stood down from the incident in Manchester city centre.
“We have been dealing with the incident alongside Greater Manchester Police from 11.15am to 1.56pm today (Friday).
“Four people have been treated on scene and taken to hospital by ambulance and we wish them a speedy recovery.
“A large number of staff have been involved and we dispatched 13 ambulances, four hazardous area response vehicles, two advanced paramedics, two doctors and two officers to the scene.
“We would like to thank the public for their assistance and patience whilst we dealt with the incident, and express our gratitude to all of our staff who have worked hard over the last few hours.”
The Arndale Centre did not re-open on Friday and police said at around 5:10pm that Exchange Square was open again to the public.
Manchester Arndale posted the following statement at around 6pm on Friday:
A heavy police presence remained at the scene in the city centre for the remainder of Friday, while forensic officers were seen trawling the area in search of clues.
Counter-terror police were investigating and specialist officers were at the scene.
The Arndale Centre re-opened at 8am on Saturday and armed police are in the city centre to offer reassurance to the public.
Police continue to urge the public and media to send any images or footage they may have taken at the Arndale via this website at crowd.in/GoZ0Ei.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1055 of 11/10/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted the following:
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
GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins tweeted to praise the response from the force:
Glossop councillor Damien Greenhalgh tweeted his support for those affected:
Thinking about those affected by the terrible events in the Arndale Centre just down the road in Manchester. All praise to the emergency services for their swift response and for apprehending the suspect.#Manchester 🐝
— Damien Greenhalgh (@Damientg) October 11, 2019
Ashton restaurant threatens to expose dine and dashers after they scarper leaving £159 bill for food and cocktails
Sound of music at The Vale as venue announces new gigs
Mooch and natter in Mossley this May with the 2024 GM Walking Festival
Hyde theatre receives £20K funding boost from the People's Postcode Lottery
