Police have launched an investigation after it was reported that a 'fight broke out between hundreds of teenagers' near the Arndale shopping centre.
A huge police presence was sparked in the city centre just after 3pm yesterday (Sunday) with some nearby shops reportedly evacuated.
GMP said patrols and specialist officers dispersed a 'large group of people acting in an anti-social manner'.
Eye witnesses told the M.E.N that the group were seen fighting on Exchange Square.
Police were also seen dispersing smaller groups of teenagers from inside the Arndale shopping centre.
Shortly after, shoppers were evacuated from the nearby Marks and Spencer shop, on Market Street, when an alarm was sounded.
Councillor Pat Karney, who was also among those evacuated, said customers also had to leave Selfridges due to the brawl and retailers on New Cathedral Street had to close temporarily.
Pictures taken at the scene showed a large group of people outside the Arndale and police at the scene.
Cllr Karney said: "We suddenly heard the alarms go off and the staff rushed us out the building, we all thought there was a fire at first.
"We went out into New Cathedral Street and saw a crowd of at least 50 teenagers running down the road.
"The police then came and split them up and quickly moved them away from there too.
"Cops did a brilliant job controlling the situation and breaking them up. It was madness and very scary for shoppers.
"It looked like it was some sort of organised fight or meet up.
"They all looked aged between nine and 17 years old, they were all young."
A police investigation is now underway, with 'extensive' CCTV reviews being carried out.
In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said: "Shortly after 3pm on Sunday 30 January, we became aware of a large group of people acting in an anti-social manner around the Arndale centre, Manchester.
"Patrols and specialist resources responded to disperse those suspected of being involved away from the city centre.
"An investigation is underway and enquiries - including extensive CCTV reviews - are ongoing.
"Anyone with information about those involved should call police on 101 or report it online via www.gmp.police.uk.
"Details can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
