Manchester’s Arndale shopping centre has been evacuated after three people were stabbed in an attack.

There are no reports of fatalities following the attacks at the Intu-owned shopping centre. A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault.

Two women and one man have been taken to hospital with stab wounds.

As well as the shopping centre being evacuated, trams operating outside the entrance at Exchange Square have been suspended.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “In these early stages, we are keeping an open mind about the motivation of this terrible incident and the circumstances as we know them.

“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.”

Manchester Arndale centre director David Allinson said: “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.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted: “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.”