Portland Street cordon LIVE updates as emergency services descend on city centre

Emergency services have descended on a busy city centre street after a substance was thrown. A cordon has been in place on Portland Street, outside the Manchester One office block, this afternoon (August 8).

Police and firefighters are in attendance. A section of the pavement was taped off by officers between Sackville Street and Chorlton Street, but the cordon has since been reduced to the area around a Stagecoach bus which was inside the cordon.

At least two police vans are in attendance. One fire engine has been seen in the area, along with an ambulance.

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Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that the incident involved a substance being thrown which was not corrosive. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service added: "Can confirm we were called to Portland Street around 2.25pm to reports of an incident alongside GMP and NWAS. We remain in attendance."

An eyewitness told the Manchester Evening News that armed officers had been seen surrounding a bus. It's understood that a man was seen receiving medical treatment. Further details about incident are yet to be confirmed.

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

The M.E.N. understands that the liquid was thrown at a bus driver at Piccadilly Gardens.

It's understood the driver initially pulled away from Piccadilly Gardens bus station, before parking at Portland Street.

Stagecoach Manchester has been approached for comment.

Here's the latest on what we know from the cordons in Manchester city centre:

Greater Manchester Police has issued a statement relating to this afternoon's cordons.

It's thought the two scenes