A robbery investigation has been launched after an alleged incident outside the Arndale Centre on Sunday (September 22).

Officers attended the shopping centre in Manchester city centre at around 7.30pm and said a 16-year-old boy was found with a small knife injury to his leg.

They then said it had been established that a group of teenagers were walking out of the Arndale Centre and, at the same time, another group of males and females were walking behind them.

Three of the men GMP wish to speak toThree of the men GMP wish to speak to (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

Officers said two of the first group were set upon and robbed of their mobile phones, as well as a pair of trainers and a black Canada Goose coat.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have now released CCTV pictures of nine males they want to talk to to aid their investigation.

Sergeant Adam Culpan, of GMP’s Manchester city centre neighbourhood crime team, said: “After conducting and following a number of lines of enquiry, we are now in a position to appeal to the public for any additional information they may have. 

“We are relentlessly pursuing all lines of enquiry, this robbery happened at 7.30pm yesterday evening in a busy location in the city centre, we know there will be people out there who saw what happened and we are appealing for them to come forward and speak to us.

The six others GMP want to speak toThe six others GMP want to speak to (Image: Greater Manchester Police)

“We are continuing to support the victim and since the incident and we have increased patrols in the area whilst we investigate, we hope our presence is a reassuring one. If you have any concerns, please come and speak to us."

Anyone with information that could assist officers with their enquiries should call 0161 856 4145 to speak to officers directly, or call 101 quoting log number 2953 of September 22.

Alternatively, details can be passed onto independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.