Armed police were scrambled after a woman was robbed at knifepoint near the Manchester Christmas Markets.
The victim was outside her workplace when she was approached on New Cathedral Street - one of the main market hubs - at around 4.10pm yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), police said. The thugs threatened her with a knife and stole her mobile phone.
City centre police and armed officers responded and three males were arrested in the area. A man and two boys were taken to police custody.
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They remain there today for questioning, police added. The victim's phone has been found and she escaped the incident without serious injuries.
Armed officers will continue to patrol the busy Christmas Markets until they close on December 22. Covert operations will also be carried out as police use drones, CCTV and ANPR cameras to monitor the markets.
Chief Inspector Wignall, of GMP's City of Manchester Central Division, said: "Thankfully the victim wasn't seriously injured and following a swift response by GMP officers, the suspects were arrested and the phone recovered.
"Personal robbery can have a huge effect on victims so I am pleased we have these four men in custody.
"The city centre will become increasingly busy over the coming weeks and we want people to enjoy the Christmas period, so there will be an increased police presence throughout the Christmas period to keep people safe."
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