BREAKING: Bus crashes into building in Piccadilly Gardens with major emergency service response - updates

Emergency crews have rushed to the scene in Piccadilly Gardens after a bus has crashed into a building.

The incidente happened around 1pm when the Diamond bus collided with the City Tower building close to Manchester's Piccadilly Gardens Metrolink stop. Fire engines and ambulance vehicles are also at the scene.

White tents had been erected around the building by emergency services following the crash, before being removed at about 2.30pm. The Manchester Evening News understands a number of casualties have been taken to hospital, however the severity of their injuries are not known at this time.

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In a statement issued just after 2.30pm, Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 1pm today (Monday 16 October) police were called to reports of a collision involving a bus and a shop in Piccadilly Gardens.

"Police alongside colleagues in the Northwest Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue have been in attendance.

"There are road closures in the area whilst emergency services remain at the scene dealing with the collision and officers from GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit are in attendance.

"We would ask members of the public to avoid the area where possible whilst officers establish the full circumstances."

In a statement, Transport for Greater Manchester said the tram stop is currently closed. They said: "Due to an ongoing police incident involving a bus, Piccadilly Gardens is currently closed to all bus services.

"All buses are using alternative stops in the city centre. Metrolink services will not stop at Piccadilly Gardens."

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