More news from Old Trafford…
The device found in Old Trafford today prior to the Manchester United versus Bournemouth game has been confirmed to be a hoax by the police.
The stadium was initially evacuated following the discovery of the suspect device and soon after the game was abandoned as dear began to spread that this was a serious bomb threat.
However, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that they carried out a controlled explosion on what they described as an “incredibly lifelike explosive device”.
But it seems that the suspicious device, reportedly some sort of pipe with wires and a mobile phone attached, was not a viable explosive device.
Old Trafford bomb scare: I understand police believe the device was an 'elaborate hoax'.
— John Scheerhout (@johnscheerhout) May 15, 2016
They’re continuing to search the stadium for other suspect devices.
There’s no word as of yet when the fixture will be rescheduled to but you can imagine this will surely hamper Man Utd’s preparation for their game with Crystal Palace.
Bomb disposal experts carried out controlled explosion at Old Trafford on what is described as incredibly lifelike explosive device…
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016
Full assessment now concluded and found device wasn’t viable. A full search of the stadium is ongoing. Full update to follow.
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016