Armed police were scrambled to Victoria Station this evening after reports of a man with a gun.
Officers were seen attempting to detain a group of men at the Metrolink stop inside the station at around 5.15pm today (August 20).
Police were initially called to reports of a man with a firearm, GMP said.
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A 17-year-old boy was later detained at the scene.
Police quickly established that the 'firearm' was in fact a BB gun and that there is not thought to be a wider threat to the public.
The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence.
Pictures from the scene show a large number of police vehicles parked outside Victoria Station on Friday night.
Another image, seen by the M.E.N, shows a group of men lying on the floor with armed police standing over them.
One man, who witnessed the incident unfold, said: "Wow that was a scary incident at Victoria Station just now.
"Armed police ordering a group of youngsters to the floor and placing handcuffs on them."
It is understood the station remained open during the incident, and train and tram services are not thought to have been affected.
A spokesperson for GMP said: "Officers were called to Manchester Victoria station at around 5.15pm today (Friday 20 August 2021) to a report of a man with a firearm.
"A 17-year-old male was detained and a firearm was recovered. However, it was quickly established that it was a BB gun and there is not thought to be any wider threat to the public.
"The man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
"Enquiries are ongoing."
