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Reports emerged of smashed glass in the iconic shopping centre with hundreds of people seen fleeing the scene.

Soon after the Royal Exchange Arcade in St Ann’s Square was also evacuated and Selfridges was closed.

Witnesses reported people shouting "run" this morning as panic took hold.

The city is on high alert after an attack on the Manchester Arena last night that killed 22 people and injured a further 59.

(Image: PA)

Collette Nicholls, a member of staff from Superdrug, told the Manchester Evening News people were "running and screaming".

One Twitter user wrote: "So strange, been evacuated from the Arndale Centre.

"The food hall was evacuated then 100 people ran past the shop. Shut shop and told to leave."

Another added: "Possible bang at the Arndale."

A large police cordon was set up around the city centre.

A man was arrested at the Arndale Centre but police confirmed this was not connected to last night's bombing.

(Image: TWITTER)

Yesterday's blast was reported to have hit the foyer of the building at 10.30pm, British Transport Police said.

It is the worst attack on British soil since the 7/7 bombings in London.

Prime Minister Theresa May said Manchester had fallen victim to a "callous terrorist attack" and vowed to "defeat the ideology" behind this violence.

The explosion rocked the arena at the conclusion of a performance by the American star.

Around 21,000 people are reported to have been at the concert at the time of the explosion.

More than 400 police officers were deployed to deal with the operation throughout Monday evening.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron have also expressed their sympathies for the victims.

Ariana Grande's spokesman said the singer was "okay" and had been taken to safety.

While Ariana herself tweeted: "Broken. From the bottom of my heart, I am so so sorry. I don't have words."