According to members of the public, explosions had been heard with some mistakenly thinking that it was a “terror attack”.  One person took to Twitter to state: “Idiots setting off fireworks in the Arndale centre and we got evacuated out the back of the shop thinking it was a terror attack. “Kinda s****ing myself still.”

Another person also stated: “As if some brainless a******e just let fireworks off in the Arndale causing mass panic.

“Genuinely never been so terrified in my life.”

Despite the fireworks being set off, there have been no reports of injuries or damage. 

Another person also wrote: “Absolutely terrifying, heard loud bangs in the Arndale Centre and everybody starting running and screaming.

“Thought it was a terror attack, turned out to be shitty kids setting off fireworks.”

The news of the evacuation of the shopping centre comes after five people had been injured in a knife attack in the centre last month. 

A man, aged 40 had been arrested on suspicion of terror offences. 

Three people were hurt when a man with a large knife started “lunging” and members of the public. 

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A shop worker said at the time: “A man was running around with a knife lunging at multiple people, one of which came into my store visibly shaken with a small graze.

“Soon after, security staff told all retail staff to close their doors and move the public to the back of the stores.”

Soon after that attack, police were called to the scene in response to an “incident” on Friday October 18. 

The statement, released on Twitter at 9.39pm, read: “Police are currently responding to an incident at Manchester Arndale Centre.

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“There is not believed to be a wider threat to the community.

“Follow our social media channels for further updates.”

At the time, Manchester Evening News reporter, Chris Slater said that a large group of police officers had “just arrived”. 

He added: “A big group of officers just arrived at the Withy Grove entrance (opposite the Printworks).

“We’re unsure yet what has happened. Arndale staff are stood on the opposite side of the street.

“They are just saying there has been ‘an incident’”.

The Arndale is the largest shopping centre in Manchester.

The multi-complex centre is home to dozens of shops and restaurants.

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