A man has been arrested by police investigating a spate of robberies near to the old Toast Rack building in Fallowfield.
Greater Manchester Police have revealed eight robberies and one attempted robbery are currently being investigated - and have issued an appeal to trace two more suspected victims.
The man, 18, was held on suspicion of robbery and was being questioned in custody on Thursday, GMP confirmed.
The robberies on Wilmslow Road in Fallowfield under investigation occurred between February 11 and March 4 this year, a spokesman said.
In a statement, the force said: "Eight robberies and one attempted robbery occurred near to the Toast Rack building, in which victims had their mobile phones stolen or cash withdrawn from their bank accounts.
"Three other men who have been previously arrested in connection with the incidents are on bail while investigations are ongoing. Officers are now hoping to trace two men believed to be the victims of an attempted robbery on Wednesday, March 8, between 12pm and 1pm on a footpath between Danes Road and Old Hall Lane.
"Officers came across what they believed to be a robbery by two men in balaclavas. One was detained while the other made off on foot.
"The two men believed to be the victims are described as white men aged 16-20, with one having light-coloured hair and wearing shorts."
Hollings Campus - known as the Toast Rack building because of its arched look, has been a part of South Manchester's skyline since 1960. Designed by Leonard Cecil Howitt, the building was originally built for the Domestic Trades College before becoming part of Manchester Polytechnic, now Manchester Metropolitan University.
The building has been grade II listed since 1998 and has been up for development since being decommissioned by Manchester Metropolitan University in 2013.
Detective Inspector Natalie McDonald of GMP's City of Manchester Division said: "This is a great result for our officers and we are working hard to bring about justice for those involved in these robberies. We are aware that these sorts of incidents can cause concern for residents, but I want people to know that their safety is our top-priority and we will do what we can to protect those in our community.
"We are urging anyone with any information to get in touch with us. They can do this by calling 0161 856 4305 or 101 and quoting log number 1326 of 08/03/23."
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