A college student and a teenager were injured during a knife attack at a McDonald's restaurant in north Manchester.

Police say two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, are in custody being questioned by officers tonight.

They have both been arrested in suspicion of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon.

A 17-year-old boy suffered "a minor arm injury" during the attack - which unfolded at the Harpurhey branch of the fast food chain on Wednesday afternoon.

An 18-year-old boy suffered a laceration to his hand. The M.E.N understands that he is a student at the nearby Manchester College.

Both were taken to hospital with what police describe as "minor injuries".

A police car - which had extensive damage to its front bumper - was later taken away from the scene on a flatbed lorry.

One witness, who entered the restaurant just moments after the attack described “chaotic” scenes.

The police car appears to be damaged

DamiLola B Soyoye saw “around five or six police cars” arriving at the scene with their sirens blaring and blue lights flashing.

She told the M.E.N: “The staff in the McDonalds said a young man had run in with a knife.

“They said everyone was screaming. It was a bit frantic. I think he ran back out before the police got there.

“I saw two ambulances there but I didn’t see anyone being treated

“There were about six police cars and two ambulances.

The car was driven away on a flatbed truck

“There were lots of people around and they all looked worried and a bit shocked and confused.

“I just hope nobody has been seriously hurt.”

Harpurhey councillor Pat Karney said he was “shocked and alarmed” to hear baout the attack and called for a crack down on knife crime.

He tweeted: “Shocked and alarmed yet again to hear of stabbings with young people.

The police vehicle appeared to have damage to its front bumper

“Thanks to GMP for speedy response and arrest. Those injured have been seen to.

“We must take knives off our streets.”

Detective Inspector Mark Davis, of GMP’s City of Manchester division, said: “I understand that this incident may cause concern within the local community, but I would like to stress that we are not linking this to terrorism and are treating it as an isolated incident.

“At this time we know that two teenagers are receiving treatment for minor injuries and we are thankful that we are not looking at something more serious."

A police cordon was put in place around the restaurant, which was closed to the public while crime scene investigators scoured the area for evidence.

Crime scene investigators are working at the scene

Spots of blood could be seen on the floor and the wall of the restaurant.

There were delays to traffic along Rochdale Road while police dealt with the incident.

The cordon was removed and the restaurant was reopened at around 6.25pm.

A police officer taking photographs

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

The force initially said “several people” had been stabbed but later confirmed that two people  were injured.

Their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

In a statement GMP said: “At around 2.35pm today (Wednesday 23 October 2019), police were called to McDonalds in Harpurhey Shopping centre on Rochdale Road to reports of a stabbing.

“This is not being linked to terrorism.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

A CSI van at the scene

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said a male was taken to hospital after being stabbed during the attack.

A spokesperson for the service said: “Two rapid response vehicles and an ambulance attended the scene in Harpurhey at around 3.40pm.

“Paramedics took one person to hospital by ambulance - a male patient who has been stabbed in the leg.”

Nobody else was treated at the scene or taken to hospital, NWAS said.

Anyone with information about the incident – no matter how unimportant it may seem – is asked to get in touch with police by calling 0161 856 1146 and quoting incident number 1702 of 23/10/19”

Reports can also be made by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.