A shopping centre in the middle of Manchester was evacuated due to a 'large group of youths causing anti-social behaviour'.
Pictures show dozens of shoppers stood outside the Arndale Centre and reports on social media indicated people were 'running'.
One witness said he saw a 'riot van, four police cars and an ambulance' outside the Arndale.
Greater Manchester Police said in a statement: "Police are currently dealing with an ongoing incident at the Arndale in Manchester.
"A large group of youths were causing anti-social behaviour towards security staff on the second floor.
"The food court has been cleared and the group are slowly being dispersed out of the main entrance.
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"There is currently a heavy police presence to ensure the safety of other members of the public."
Eyewitness Feroze Bilal told the Manchester Evening News that pepper spray was used by police.
He said: "It was on the top floor of the Arndale near to Next and I saw a group of youths - lads and girls.
"Then some kind of chemical was let off and people started running.
"I could feel it, it was irritating and I was coughing and sneezing.
"People started running, it was quite a panicked situation.
"Police and security got people out of there.
"We got out onto Exchange Square - the trams have stopped running there and there are lots of police vehicles and some ambulances.”
A statement from The Arndale said: "We have been supporting police in relation to an incident involving a large number of individuals at Manchester Arndale.
"The safety of our shoppers and staff is always our first priority."
- Two 16-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of public order offences.
