A teenage boy has suffered potentially life-changing injuries after an unknown substance was thrown at him near Manchester's Arndale Shopping Centre this evening.

Greater Manchester Police were called at 6.10pm to reports of an ongoing disturbance at Exchange Square, a busy public space located in the heart of the city centre.

When officers arrived at the scene, they established that an individual had been targeted with an unidentified substance following what the force described as a verbal altercation.

The victim, who has not been publicly named, is a male in his mid-teens. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that while his injuries are not considered life-threatening, they have been assessed as potentially life-changing.

A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident. He remains in police custody as inquiries continue.

Emergency responders quickly converged on the area around the Arndale Shopping Centre earlier this evening, putting an immediate cordon in place to secure the scene.

As part of the emergency response, nearby Withy Grove was closed to traffic in both directions. The closure caused visible congestion around the shopping complex before the road was safely reopened to motorists later in the evening.

What we don't know yet is the exact chemical nature of the substance thrown, nor the full circumstances surrounding the initial dispute. Police have not shared further details about the specific medical care the teenager is currently receiving.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that their investigation remains active and ongoing. Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the disturbance or who holds information that could assist the inquiry to get in touch with them.

I'll be following this one closely as detectives continue their questioning in custody — check back here for updates as further official details emerge.