Police swooped on a McDonald's car park in Ashton-under-Lyne tonight following reports of a knife-point robbery.
Video from the scene showed several police vehicles and officers near the fast-food restaurant in the town centre.
One man was arrested nearby.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Unconfirmed reports suggested people in the car park had been armed with machetes.
The incident took place close to the Ikea and Sainsbury's stores.
One passer-by told the M.E.N: "As l pulled up l saw several police vehicles fly down the hill next to the tram line.
"l got out of my car and l could several youths in the corner. The police looked to have pinned them in the corner but one of them seemed to run away across the front of Sainsbury's.
"I saw two pinned on the ground."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "At 18:13 hours this evening, police attended reports of a knife point robbery at McDonalds (on) Pamir Drive.
"On arrival officers arrested a male adult near to the scene.
"No one was injured during the incident.
"Enquires are ongoing at this time."
Anyone with information can call GMP on 101 or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
