A 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious injuries after a stabbing in the Manchester Arndale car park on Saturday afternoon (October 17). Armed police surrounded the shopping centre after the incident, which occurred on the ninth level of the multi-storey car park at approximately 3.15pm.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) found the boy with injuries consistent with a stab wound. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing. It is believed the teenager was involved in an argument with other unknown males before being stabbed.
Incident follows reported shoplifting
The Manchester Evening News understands the altercation occurred moments after a 'shoplifting incident' in the Arndale Centre, with several sources at the centre reporting the same timeline of events. It is believed that more than one person was hurt, although GMP has not confirmed this. No arrests have been made, and enquiries remain ongoing.
Several shop owners told the M.E.N. they believed multiple people were involved. One witness, who saw police arrive, said: "Staff went running after them. I think security went into the car park and people ended up stabbed." Another shop worker linked the incident to a 'shoplifting' in the Arndale.
Police response and investigation
Armed officers were seen among several squad cars on High Street, Withy Grove and Dantzic Street. Paramedics used a lift to reach the upper floors of the car park. The ninth floor remained closed late into Saturday night, with forensics investigators gathering evidence and several parked cars stuck within the cordon.
Detective Inspector Sam Jones, of GMP's City of Manchester District CID, said: "This incident will understandably cause concern, but thankfully the injuries suffered by the victim are not life threatening. Detectives at the scene are working extremely hard to process the scene with crime scene investigators."
Appeal for information
"The car park is expected to be closed for several hours, so we ask for your understanding and patience whilst we gather evidence to bring these offenders to justice," he added. "This is believed to be an isolated incident with no risk to the wider public."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 2050 of October 17, 2026, or use the LiveChat function on GMP's website. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
