Andy Burnham has said he believes the stabbings at the Arndale shopping centre in Manchester were an “isolated incident”, and praised the bravery and professionalism of emergency services and security staff.

A 59-year-old man sustained stab wounds to his hand and palm and a 19-year-old woman received injuries to her arm and armpit which required surgery during the incident on Friday morning.

Another 19-year-old woman suffered a cut to her elbow, a 33-year-old woman a cut to her stomach and a 43-year-old woman was assessed by medics but appeared uninjured.

Armed officers were on the scene within five minutes and arrested a 40-year-old man on suspicion of terrorism offences before he was later compulsorily detained under the Mental Health Act.

Speaking inside the shopping centre, Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, said: “This would appear to be an isolated incident. So the message is it is business as usual.

“It is important not to jump to conclusions but what I can say is that at this stage, it would appear to be more mental health-related than political or religious motivated – but of course we need to allow the police to conduct their full inquiries and we keep an open mind on that until that work is complete.

“People should go about their weekend as they were planning to do.”

Nevertheless, additional officers are patrolling the Arndale and the city centre this weekend.

The shopping centre is just a few hundred yards from Manchester Arena, where 22 people were killed in May 2017 when Salman Abedi detonated a suicide bomb after an Ariana Grande concert.

Burnham said Friday’s incident showed Greater Manchester always responds “in a considered way” that entails “providing support to those who need it, prosecuting those responsible and of course learning any lessons that need to be learnt”.

He added: “We think first of those recovering from their injuries.

“I am sure I speak for everybody when I wish them a well and speedy recovery in need. Our thoughts next turn to the outstanding work of Great Manchester police officers, who were on the scene immediately, and their armed response within five minutes.

“I would like to praise the bravery and professionalism particularly of police and other security and emergency services that were on sight immediately.”

The suspect, who was seen shouting and behaving erratically, was apprehended within five minutes. The police investigation is believed to be focusing on whether he was influenced by Islamist propaganda and how big a factor mental health issues may have played.

The suspect was not believed to have been known to counter-terrorism authorities or been on MI5’s list of 3,000 current subjects of interest or its list of 20,000 former ones.

Police have asked the public for any images or footage that may have been taken at the scene and said anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation should call 0161 856 0394.