A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault
Police and fire crews at the scene outside Printworks(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A teenage boy has been left with ‘potentially life-changing’ injuries after an unknown substance was thrown at them in Manchester city centre.
Officers from Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of a disturbance at Exchange Square at 6.10pm (Saturday, September 12).
Emergency services, including police, fire crews and an ambulance, attended the scene where it was established that a teenage boy was injured following a ‘verbal altercation’.
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His injuries have been described as not life-threatening but potentially life-changing, the force said.
A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning.
Fire crews at the scene outside Printworks(Image: Manchester Evening News)
A large scene remains in place as enquiries are ongoing. Pictures show the area outside the Arndale shopping centre, opposite the Printworks, to be sealed off by police, with emergency services in attendance.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed they are in attendance.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “At 6.10pm this evening (Saturday 12 September 2026), we were called to an ongoing disturbance at Exchange Square in the city centre.
Ambulance at the scene outside Printworks(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“Officers arrived at the scene and established that an individual has had an unknown substance thrown at them following a verbal altercation.
“The victim, a male in his mid-teens has received an injury that has been described as not life-threatening but potentially life-changing.
“A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody.
Fire crews and police outside the Printworks in Manchester city centre(Image: Manchester Evening News)
“There is a scene in place and investigations are currently ongoing.”
Anyone with information about this incident, including any CCTV, mobile or Dashcam footage is asked to get in contact with GMP using 101 or gmp.police.uk, and quoting log number 2156 of 12/09/2026.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.