A cordon is in place in Piccadilly Gardens
A man has been detained in Manchester following reports of a suspicious package.
Police have confirmed that a 26-year-old man has been detained, but have also stated that the device was “not believed to be a viable device” and that the cordon would stay in place “until the materials are made safe to move and inquiries have concluded”.
Device not a threat Man arrested has health issues.The area will be open soon.Thanks to our Emergency Services. https://t.co/ey7LoN0375
— Pat Karney (@patkarney) May 3, 2019
Councillor for Harpurhey/Collyhurst Pat Karney stated on Twitter that the man was arrested “under health issues”.
#PiccadillyGardens #Manchester #CityCentre pic.twitter.com/q6urIQK0SM
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) May 3, 2019
“A cordon is in place in Piccadilly Gardens after reports of a suspicious package were made,” said a statement from Greater Manchester Police.
“A man aged 26 has been detained by police and enquiries into the incident are ongoing. Updates to follow.”
Video on social media showed the city centre on lockdown, with trams at a standstill.
Large police cordon on Market Street towards Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester City centre @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/t3K0d4Ws9G
— Steve Robson (@SteveRobson04) May 3, 2019
Nearby shops were evacuated, and trams have been diverted.
