A man has been arrested in connection with terrorism offences following a stabbing in Manchester, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed.

The Arndale Shopping Centre was evacuated and on lock down earlier during the emergency incident, during which at least five people were stabbed. 

A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of serious assault and was taken to custody for questioning.

However GMP Assistant Chief Constable Russ Jackson has confirmed the man has been held on supicion of "the commission, preparation and instigation of an act of terrorism".

Social media posts showed a large number of officers at the scene and a suspect being Tasered.

The Herald:

READ MORE: Manchester stabbing: Five injured as counter-terrorism police probe Arndale Centre incident

Several people posted on Twitter to say that they had been evacuated.
A shop worker, who gave his name only as Jordan, 23, told the PA news agency: "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."

Jordan, who has only been working at the centre for a few months, said the attack took place on the ground floor.

A Greater Manchester Police statement earlier said: "We are currently responding to an incident at the Arndale Shopping Centre in Manchester City Centre.

"Officers are in attendance and early enquiries suggest that several people have been stabbed.

"A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of serious assault. He has been taken to custody for questioning.

"Enquiries remain ongoing."

The investigation is being led by counter-terrorism police.