Residents in Castlefield were awoken by a mysterious banging noise in the early hours of this morning.
Locals reported hearing a sound that sound 'like gunshots' at around 3.30am.
Police confirmed they were called to the area after reports of 'popping noises,' but they are not thought to have attended.
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The exact reason for the noise has not been formally confirmed, but it is understood it may have come from a piece of abseiling wire.
Construction workers told the M.E.N that loose abseiling gear attached to Elizabeth Tower, on Pryme Street, was the reason for the disruption.
"These buildings have abseil gear attached to them but the wire was left out and was whipping against the building," a worker said.
"It was causing a right racket."
Strong winds and heavy rain battered much of Manchester last night (Thursday) as the last of Storm Barra swept through the country.
One resident who lives nearby said he was woken up at around 3am this morning by a loud banging noise.
"I live in Castlegate which is the building opposite and we were woken up to what sounded like extremely loud gunshots," he said.
"The police were called by several residents as it woke up the whole building.
"It turns out some steel cables had continued to smash into the building for another two hours.
"It was too dark to see the damage this morning on my way to work but I suspect there will be considerable damage."
No apparent damage could be seen to the outside of the sky rise apartment block on Friday morning.
The property managers of Elizabeth Tower have been contacted for more information.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were called at 3.25am this morning to reports of 'popping noises' being heard in the area.
Officers are not understood to have attended the scene.
