Shoppers were said to be screaming and running for their lives after a terrifying incident at the Manchester Arndale shopping centre.

Several customers took to Twitter to say that they had been evacuated and that police were swarming on the building after being called to reports of a man with a gun.

One shopper described "mass panic" as crowds were told to exit the shopping centre, while another said everyone "ran out screaming" amid the chaos.

Several people took to Twitter to express concerns of a "bomb scare" or a "shooter incident".

But it seems that the panic was actually caused by a customer in the centre's food court area.

Police said they were called to the shopping centre at 1.20pm today to reports of a man with a gun, but found no evidence of anyone with a firearm.

Were you caught up in the panic at Manchester Arndale? Email [email protected]

Andy Appleby wrote on the social media site: "Sat enjoying a subway salad in Manchester Arndale foodcourt, crazy man gets on a table shouting and mad panic ensures.

"Not sure what happened but the rumours are flying."

Another witness described a male standing on a table shouting that he had "something to show everyone" before people began running.

Some Twitter users then said the person in question proceeded to take his clothes off in full view of other diners.

A parent who was caught up in the scare wrote: "Turned out to be a false alarm but there was mass panic at the Arndale from outside Wilko to High Street, it was chaos people running and screaming. I've never ever felt more instinct to get my kids to safety."

Another witness said he was "herded out by police, at least one with a Taser out. Grabbed my bag and my lunch, and headed away rather than rubbernecking."

As people were told to vacate the building, they urged members of the public to avoid the area.

"If you're in Manchester, we have just been evacuated from the Arndale because reports of an armed man with a firearm.

"Stay away from the Arndale and stay safe."

One employee who works in the centre said he was told by police to leave the shop.

But he added that he has since been given the all clear to go back into the store.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "At 1.20pm today, police were called to Manchester Arndale to reports of a man with a gun. Armed officers attended but found no evidence of anyone with a firearm.

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

No one is thought to have been injured in the incident and shoppers are now being allowed back into the centre, with stores open as normal.

Officers have temporarily stepped up patrols in the area and are remaining in the city centre to provide any reassurance needed.

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