Police and fire crews were called to Exchange Square in Manchester city centre on Saturday evening after reports of a disturbance. A teenage boy was left with injuries described as 'potentially life-changing' after an unknown substance was thrown at him.
Arrest made following verbal altercation
Officers from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to the scene at 6.10pm on Saturday, 12 September. Emergency services, including police, fire crews and an ambulance, attended. It was established that a teenage boy was injured following a 'verbal altercation'.
The victim, a male in his mid-teens, received an injury that has been described as not life-threatening but potentially life-changing. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning.
Scene remains in place as enquiries continue
A large scene remains in place as enquiries are ongoing. Pictures show the area outside the Arndale shopping centre, opposite the Printworks, sealed off by police, with emergency services in attendance. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed they are in attendance.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At 6.10pm this evening (Saturday 12 September 2026), we were called to an ongoing disturbance at Exchange Square in the city centre.
"Officers arrived at the scene and established that an individual has had an unknown substance thrown at them following a verbal altercation.
"The victim, a male in his mid-teens has received an injury that has been described as not life-threatening but potentially life-changing.
"A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody.
"There is a scene in place and investigations are currently ongoing."
Appeal for information
Anyone with information about this incident, including any CCTV, mobile or Dashcam footage, is asked to contact GMP using 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 2156 of 12/09/2026. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
