Gunman reported on the loose at Manchester’s Arndale centre

The Arndale shopping centre in Manchester has been evacuated after reports of a gunman on the loose.

Hundreds of shoppers were seen fleeing panicked from the popular complex in the centre of the city this afternoon.

Police stormed the shopping centre after everyone was evacuated but are yet to find evidence of a gunman.

Shoppers fled in a ‘stampede’ from the complex and ran out on to the streets amid the panic

Officers rushed to the scene but have found no evidence of a firearm at the popular shopping centre

Greater Manchester Police have tweeted out a message confirming they attended after hearing reports of a firearm.

They have since attempted to reassure members of the public there is no cause for concern and believe the panic started after a group of youths started a disturbance. 

One shopper described how there was ‘mass panic’ while another said shoppers ‘ran out screaming’, according to The Mirror.

Another unconfirmed report from social media told how it started because of a ‘crazy man’ who got on a table and started shouting in the food court.

One shopper described how there was ‘mass panic’ while another said shoppers ‘ran out screaming’

Andy Appleby wrote on Twitter the panic was started by a man who got on a table in the food court and started shouting

Another person on social media said it started after a man got up on a table but police said a group of youths caused the disturbance

Andy Appleby said: ‘Sat enjoying a subway salad in Manchester Arndale foodcourt, crazy man gets on a table shouting and mad panic ensues. Not sure what happened but the rumours are flying.’ 

All shoppers were evacuated from the shopping centre as a large team of police officers rushed to the scene.

Greater Manchester Police said: ‘Police were called to the food court at Manchester Arndale in the city centre around 1.20pm today to reports of a man with a gun.

‘Armed officers attended but found no evidence of anyone with a firearm. 

‘It is believed there was a disturbance involving a group of youths and this caused subsequent panic amongst members of the public.

‘Officers are patrolling the area and would like to reassure the public that there is no cause for concern.’

The superintendent for specialist operations at Greater Manchester Police said: ‘A rapid response to the Arndale by our armed officers. 

‘Highly professional and brave – they ensured everyone was safe. 

‘Whilst there was no weapon seen it is believed this was a deliberate attempt to cause mass panic. 

‘An investigation is underway to identify the person/s responsible.’