'All hell is breaking loose!': Two hours of city centre chaos as cordons erected and armed police scrambled after substance thrown over bus driver

There were scenes of chaos in Manchester city centre on Thursday afternoon (August 8) with two cordons put in place and armed police deployed after a substance was thrown over a bus driver.

The attack occurred on a service at Piccadilly bus station at around 2.20pm. The victim, understood to be the driver, was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

The liquid was deemed to not be an acidic or noxious substance after being tested, police said. In the aftermath, two cordons were put in place around a bus stop at Piccadilly Gardens and around a double-decker bus on nearby Portland Street.

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One witness, who saw the chaotic scenes on Thursday, said: "All hell is breaking loose. We are stood outside City Tower. Coppers are coming from all directions. Armed response are here."

It was later confirmed that both scenes were linked to the same incident. Armed officers were also seen swarming the area outside City Tower, on New York Street.

A man, who was seen being led out of the building into a police van, was not involved in the incident and was arrested on suspicion of drugs offences, police confirmed.

Paramedics and police were also seen conducting enquiries at the second scene just feet away, as police tape was seen surrounding a bus and part of the pavement. Fire crews were also seen inspecting an item on the ground.

No arrests have been made in connection with the incident. Anyone with information is being urged to contact Greater Manchester Police.

A GMP spokesperson said: "At around 2.20pm, officers responded to reports of an assault in Piccadilly Gardens. Officers attended and it was established that a man had a liquid