Teen suffers life-changing injuries after substance attack in Manchester city centre

A mid-teen male was hospitalised with potentially life-changing injuries after an unknown substance was thrown at him in Exchange Square, Manchester. A 19-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault.

Unknown substance thrown at teenager in Manchester's Exchange Square

A mid-teen male has been left with potentially life-changing injuries after an unknown substance was hurled at him in Manchester city centre, the Daily Express reports.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to Exchange Square at 6.10pm on Saturday 12 September 2026, following reports of an ongoing disturbance. Officers established that the substance had been thrown at the victim during a verbal altercation.

The teenager's injuries were described by GMP as non-life-threatening but potentially life-changing. He was taken to hospital by ambulance. A witness told the Manchester Evening News: "The fire brigade hosed down one of the lads and he was taken in an ambulance topless."

A 19-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody. A scene has been established at the location and investigations are ongoing.

GMP has appealed for anyone with information about the incident — including CCTV, mobile or dashcam footage — to contact police via 101 or gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 2156 of 12/09/2026. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: Daily Express