The people of Manchester were once again forced to face the spectre of terrorism on Friday morning after a “lone wolf” knifeman targeted a shopping centre, stabbing people at random.

Three people suffered knife wounds and another two were injured in the attack in the Arndale Centre.

After lunging at shoppers with a large weapon, the suspect was challenged by two heroic police community support officers.

The knifeman chased the officers, before being detained in the street outside the centre by some of their armed colleagues who deployed a Taser.

The 40-year-old suspect from the Manchester area was questioned by counter-terror specialists on suspicion of the commission, preparation and instigation of an act of terrorism after he was arrested.

He was later detained under the Mental Health Act after being assessed by doctors, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.