Video footage shows the scene following a terrifying double stabbing at Akbar's restaurant.
Two people have been arrested after two men were knifed at the city centre premises on Tuesday evening.
An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said he was in the restaurant and saw an altercation between staff and customers.
He said: "After a few moments, staff were running through the restaurant grabbing tissues and water shouting 'he's been stabbed'.
"Suddenly I saw two staff members, one who had been attacked with a slash to his face and the other a slash to his neck.
"The perpetrators had left at this time. After around 15 to 20 minutes, police arrived (eight police cars, roughly eight to ten police officers) and they looked at the situation and said that they are closing the restaurant and told everyone to leave immediately.
"After another 10 minutes ambulance had arrived."
Footage following the incident shows police and paramedics inside the restaurant amongst customers, some of whom are carrying children.
Youngsters can be heard crying as people talk in raised voices among the commotion. Blue lights can be seen flashing from the window.
Customers then make their way out of the restaurant as the premises is evacuated.
A customer is then heard saying 'this is crazy what the hell' as footage from the street shows scores of police at the scene.
The restaurant was evacuated and the road was cordoned off following the knife attack, which happened at about 7pm.
Restaurant owner Shabir Hussain confirmed there had been an altercation between customers and members of staff.
Police say they are treating the stabbings as an isolated incident, but did not confirm whether the victims were staff members.
One man aged 19 and a boy aged 17 were later arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault.
They remain in custody for questioning. Enquiries are ongoing.
Deansgate councillor, Joan Davies, went to the scene.
She said: "The restaurant is very popular and we are concerned as we don’t know who has been injured.
"I don’t know how quickly emergency services came but things did seem to be under control by the time I arrived.
"We have got the ability in Manchester to pull in police officer and paramedics very quickly. There was a very strong police presence which is very reassuring.”
She added: "We just hope that everyone is okay and that police can find out exactly what happened.
"I know there have been a lot of families enjoying Akbar’s, especially during the Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
“I hope people can still feel comfortable in their own city.”
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