'Unknown substance thrown at teen' near major UK shopping centre as victim left with life-changing injuries

A teenager has suffered "potentially life-changing injuries" after police said an "unknown substance" was thrown at him.

Emergency responders rushed to Arndale Shopping Centre in Manchester this evening.

Greater Manchester Police have arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of assault.

He remains in custody.

The force said the incident followed a "verbal altercation".

The victim was described as being in his "mid-teens" but has not been named.

Greater Manchester Police said: "At 6.10pm this evening, we were called to an ongoing disturbance at Exchange Square in the city centre.

"Officers arrived at the scene and established that an individual has had an unknown substance thrown at them following a verbal altercation."

The force added: "The victim, a male in his mid-teens has received an injury that has been described as not life-threatening but potentially life-changing.

"A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody."

They added that the investigations are currently ongoing.

Police have urged anyone with more information to contact them.

Withy Grove was closed in both directions.

Traffic around the shopping centre was reported.

Officers cordoned off the scene.

The road has since re-opened.

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