People rushed to hospital as they're sprayed with substance in Piccadilly Gardens

Two people were taken to hospital after a woman sprayed a 'stinging substance' at them in Piccadilly Gardens.

Police, fire crews and paramedics were called to the scene in Manchester city centre at around 10.30pm last night (November 15). Police said a woman had sprayed an 'unknown stinging substance' at two people as she passed them in the street.

The victims were taken to hospital from the scene. Both needed treatment but are 'expected to make a full recovery', a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said.

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Tests were carried out which established the liquid was not acid. More tests will now be undertaken.

No arrests have been made and an investigation is underway. A number of emergency services vehicles were pictured stationed outside the Wetherspoons on Piccadilly yesterday evening as the incident unfolded.

An eyewitness told the Manchester Evening News that a number of the emergency workers went inside the pub to tend to a man, though the incident happened outside. In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said: "Two people required hospital treatment after they were sprayed with an unknown substance in Piccadilly Gardens at around 10:30pm on 15/11/23.

"Officers believe a woman sprayed a 'stinging' substance at the two people as she passed them in the street. They were treated at the scene and required hospital treatment, and they are expected to make a full recovery.

"It was later established the liquid was not acid with further tests required. Officers from GMP's City of Manchester Central division are