Worrying times in Manchester…
Old Trafford was evacuated this afternoon and the game between Manchester United and Bournemouth was abandoned following the discovery of a suspicious device.
The ground was urgently emptied of fans as announcements told those within the stadium to vacate the area in a swift and calmly fashion.
This was due to a ‘suspect package’ having been discovered in the NW quadrant of the ground, with those in the Stretford End and North Stand told to leave first.
Told by reliable sources that bomb squad in attendance at OT. Relates to mobile phone device. Might have to carry out controlled explosion.
— Andy Mitten (@AndyMitten) May 15, 2016
Journalist Andy Mitten has said that he’s been told by reliable sources that the bomb squad have been called in to deal with the situation.
It’s been reported that a controlled explosion may even have to be carried out on the device although there’s no confirmation of this as of yet.
Manchester Evening News’ crime correspondent John Scheerhour reaffirmed that the bomb disposal team had been called.
Old Trafford evacuation: I'm told army bomb disposal squad has been scrambled
— John Scheerhout (@johnscheerhout) May 15, 2016
Old Trafford evacuation: police sources say threat from terrorism remains 'severe' so no risk will be taken
— John Scheerhout (@johnscheerhout) May 15, 2016
Update:
Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that the Army Bomb Disposal Unit are now at Old Trafford.
They will be assisting police on the scene at this time.
Update: Bomb disposal experts currently at Old Trafford and conducting assessment of suspicious item found before game.
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016
Old Trafford evacuation latest: army bomb disposal officers are 'conducting assessment of suspicious device'
— John Scheerhout (@johnscheerhout) May 15, 2016