Police rushed to a Northern Quarter tattoo parlour to reports a man inside was 'smashing windows'.
Officers were scrambled to Manchester Ink on Oldham Street at 7.30pm on Wednesday following the call.
But when they arrived, the man had left, a GMP spokesman said.
The spokesman did not have details about whether any objects were used to smash the glass, or whether he used his fists.
A cordon has been put up outside the venue, due to the debris on the pavement.
Photos from the scene also showed a police car parked outside following the incident.
Eyewitnesses also reported seeing a heavy police presence around Stevenson Square at around the same time.
A spokesman for GMP said: "We were called to Manchester Ink to reports of a male smashing windows from inside.
"The call came in at 7.30pm. Officers have attended and the male who was there has left.
"There's broken glass on the street. It's cordoned off to protect police from the glass.
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"The cordon will be kept there until the glass is cleaned up."
No arrests have been made, police said.
