Knifeman sparks supermarket panic in Manchester: Shoppers flee as a Tesco is evacuated after he entered the store
- The knifeman entered a Tesco store in Blackley, North Manchester this afternoon
- Once he entered, staff began screaming at customers to get out of the store
- Several confused and panicked shoppers abandoned their goods and fled
- A 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident at Tesco
A supermarket in north Manchester was evacuated with shoppers fleeing in panic after a knifeman entered the store.
The drama unfolded at the Tesco Superstore in Blackley this afternoon.
Police said they were initially called to reports of a ‘disturbance’ at a property on Victoria Avenue East close to the store.
A man then fled the address armed with a knife and entered the Tesco Superstore a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) spokeswoman said.
Eyewitnesses said after he entered staff began screaming at customers to get out of the store with several confused and panicked shoppers abandoning their goods and running outside.
The Tesco Superstore in Blackley, north Manchester (pictured) was evacuated with shoppers fleeing in panic after a knifeman entered the store this afternoon (file photo)
A large group of both staff and customers could be seen stood outside the store as officers attended and went inside to deal with the situation.
No one was injured and a 46-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with the incident the spokeswoman confirmed. The man remains in custody.
However GMP are urging any witnesses or anyone who believes they may have any information to contact them.
In a statement the force said: ‘Shortly after 3.35pm on Saturday 28 November 2020, police were called to reports of a disturbance at a property on Victoria Avenue East in Manchester.
No one was injured and a 46-year-old man has now been arrested in connection with the incident the spokeswoman confirmed. The man remains in custody (file photo)
‘A man fled the address armed with a knife and entered Tesco on Victoria Avenue East.
‘The supermarket was evacuated as a precaution whilst officers attended. Thankfully, no-one was injured.
‘A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and affray. He remains in custody for questioning.’
A sign on the store said tonight read ‘due to unforeseen circumstances this store is currently closed. We apologise for any inconvenience.’
It is not yet known when it will re-open. Tesco has been contacted for comment.