Manchester Christmas Markets Evacuated in Bomb Scare
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Police cordoned off the markets in Albert Square market in Manchester and ran security checks of the area with canine units following reports that a suspicious package had been abandoned there.
Police with sniffer dogs were seen searching the closed stalls outside the town hall on Friday.
A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of malicious communication and was being questioned. A police source said the man was intoxicated.
“We are hoping to open the markets very soon. We take every call extremely seriously. I think we are satisfied now that there is no danger to the public,” A Greater Manchester police spokesperson said, The Guardian reported.
Police later reopened the market, saying they were convinced after a "a thorough search" the public faced that no serious threat.
"Based on the nature of information we received, we conducted a thorough search of the area and found nothing suspicious or a threat to the public," the police spokesperson said.
"I understand people may have been frustrated by the closure but I would like to thank them for their patience. We take all incidents such as this extremely seriously and the safety of the community we serve is our priority."
