Armed police called after knifepoint robbery near Manchester Christmas Markets

A woman was the victim of a robbery at knifepoint in Manchester city centre yesterday afternoon, near the Christmas Markets.

The victim was walking on New Cathedral Street after leaving work when she was approached by a group of males.

The group threatened her with a knife before stealing her phone – armed police were called to the scene shortly after.

Manchester’s Finest Group

The incident happened at around 4.10pm yesterday afternoon, Wednesday November 17th, according to police.

Both armed police and city centre officers responded and several males were arrested in the vicinity of the crime.

The suspects remain in custody for questioning today, police have confirmed, while the victim was reunited with her phone and luckily escaped without serious injury.

For the remainder of the Christmas Markets armed police will continue to be on patrol, with covert operations also underway.

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Chief Inspector Wignall, of GMP’s City of Manchester Central Division, said: “The victim was simply leaving work to go home when she was threatened and robbed of her phone.

“Thankfully she wasn’t seriously injured and following a swift response by GMP officers, the suspects were arrested and the phone recovered.

“Personal robbery can have a huge effect on the victim so I am pleased we have these four men in custody.

“The city centre will become increasingly busy over the coming weeks and we want people to enjoy the Christmas period, so there will be an increased police presence throughout the Christmas period to keep people safe.”