Police cordoned off a large part of Piccadilly Gardens after a fight broke out in Manchester city centre on Sunday night. Emergency services were called shortly after 9.30pm on 3 August 2026 to reports of a fight in the area. A man in his 30s was found with injuries to his back and hands and was taken to hospital.
Greater Manchester Police said the injury to his hand is potentially life-changing. The same man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of affray. It is understood a glass bottle was used as a weapon during the violent scenes.
Police cordon and dispersal order
A large cordon was placed around a significant area of Piccadilly Gardens, with a number of police vehicles stationed on the scene. A Section 34 dispersal order was issued for the evening across Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street, giving police the power to order people to leave the area.
A GMP spokesperson said there is not believed to be any wider threat to the community and that enquiries into the incident are ongoing.
GMP statement
In a statement, the GMP spokesperson said: "We were called shortly after 9.30pm on Sunday 3 August 2026 to reports of a fight in Piccadilly Gardens. Emergency services attending and located a man in his 30s with injuries to his back and hands.
"He was taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries to his hand. A 39-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray.
"Due to the incident, a section 34 dispersal order was issued for the evening across Piccadilly Gardens and Market Street. Enquiries are currently ongoing however there isn’t believed to be any wider threat to the community.
"Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 or via the reporting mechanisms on our website quoting log 3399 of 03.08.26."
