Breaking News: 5 Stabbed in Manchester Attack

A series of stabbings at Manchester's Arndale shopping centre are being investigated by counter-terror police.

A statement issued by Greater Manchester Police said five people had been taken to hospital following the attacks.

"Specialist officers are continuing to respond to an incident at the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester city centre," the statement said.

"In these early stages we are keeping an open mind about the motivation of this terrible incident and the circumstances as we know them.

"Given the location of the incident and its nature officers from Counter Terrorism Police North West are leading the investigation as we determine the circumstances."

The force added that a man in his 40s who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of serious assault was in custody for questioning.

A multi-agency response has been launched following the incident, with emergency service chiefs holding a gold-level strategy meeting with local government officials.

Officers initially declared a response under operation PLATO, a plan devised to deal with a suspected marauding terror attack - according to the Manchester Evening News - however this was later downgraded.

While the nature of the incident remains unclear, the decision to involve counter-terror police comes two years after the Manchester Arena bombing, in which 22 men women and children were killed at an Ariana Grande Concert at Manchester Arena.