Deansgate ‘terrorism’ arrests trigger travel chaos in city centre for commuters
- Deansgate closed as two men arrested on suspicion of terror charges
- Both men released without charge after police investigation
- Incident being treated as irresponsible behaviour
Two men arrested on suspicion of terror offences on Deansgate yesterday have been released without charge and police say they are treating the incident as irresponsible behaviour.
Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of two men aged 57 and 22 acting suspiciously on Chapel Street in Salford around 2.30pm.
A black Range Rover was pulled over by police officers a short time later after officers became concerned about items in the car. Bomb disposal officers were called and a cordon set up.
Bomb disposal officers later confirmed that the suspect items represented no danger to the public and the cordon was lifted.
The Range Rover was later taken away by police for further examination.
Today the police they had conducted a search the Range Rover and found replica police items. They also searched a property in Stream Terrace, Stockport.
Police had requested rush hour commuters to avoid the area as the incident created travel chaos.
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Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham went on twitter to praise the public and officers of Greater Manchester Police.
“I want to thank the public for reporting this suspicious activity to GMP this afternoon – it was precisely the right thing to do.
“Praise too goes to the police for reacting so swiftly. Fortunately, we now know there is no risk to people’s safety. Deansgate has reopened.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 1558 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.