A paramedic was pushed off his cycle by one of a 150-strong yob marauding in Manchester City Centre today forcing police to introduce a no go zone.

The yobs first struck at 3.45pm after the attack.

The paramedic escaped uninjured.

The gang, described by police as acting in an anti-social manner, then made their way over the tram tracks at Exchange Square, causing disruption, before entering the Arndale Centre and starting vandalising the place.

Extra officers were deployed to the city centre to locate the individuals, who were spraying on the walls in the Arndale Centre and on the windows outside.

A man was detained on suspicion of causing damage and taken into custody.

A Section 35 Dispersal Order has now been implemented by officers, which allows police to exclude a person or people from an area for up to 48 hours through a written notice.

This is aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of any anti-social behaviour or disorder, and, in this case, is focused around the areas shown in the map (pictured).

Superintendent Nicola Williams said: "On occasion, we have problems with people coming into the city centre and engaging in anti-social behaviour and the police are taking decisive action to stop this.

"Members of the public who live, visit or come into the city to work should not have to witness this behaviour or be put at risk. Today, my officers have had bottles thrown at them and this is totally unacceptable.

"The Dispersal Order means we will serve anyone who is taking part in this disturbing behaviour, notice to leave our City and they won't be allowed to return for at least 48 hours."