Manchester Arndale evacuated after fire breaks out at market food stall

Manchester Arndale was evacuated on Friday afternoon after a fire at a food stall in the market. Hundreds of shoppers were asked to leave the centre after the blaze broke out in the south side of the market hall at around 4pm.

One office worker described 'chaotic scenes' as some shoppers, unaware of what was happening, attempting to enter the Arndale while the evacuation was underway. The small fire was quickly extinguished and the mall reopened at about 5.30pm, although the market remained closed.

A spokesperson for Manchester Arndale said: "We have supported Manchester City Council with the evacuation of the market hall, following a report of a small fire at around 4pm on Friday in one of the restaurants there. The fire brigade attended the scene, and the fire was extinguished.

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"The safety and security of everyone at the centre is always our first priority and we have close working relationships with both the council – who manage the market hall – and the wider authorities. Our staff are fully trained and prepared for this sort of situation."

GMP City Centre posted on X: "GMP officers and colleagues from @manchesterfire have been dealing with a fire at the Arndale Centre - it has been contained but there may be some disruption in the area"

Speaking before the location of the fire had been confirmed, one witness said firefighters could be seen inside the market 'mopping up'. He added: "I don't know if it's in one of the food stalls, but you can see the firefighters inside.

"It appears to have been extinguished now, because you can see them