DEANSGATE CLOSED AND TWO MEN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF TERRORISM OFFENCES AFTER SUSPICIOUS ITEMS ARE FOUND IN A CAR

Shortly after 2:30pm this afternoon (30 October 2019), a vigilant member of the public alerted Greater Manchester Police after spotting two men acting suspiciously on Chapel Street.

Police responded swiftly to the call and the two men were arrested close-by after a range rover was stopped on Deansgate.

Both men were subsequently taken into custody for questioning on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Police have now put road closures in place around Deansgate after finding suspicious items in the vehicle.

Army bomb disposal officers are liasing with police to identify the items.

Deansgate is currently closed to traffic and pedestrians from the Chester Road roundabout and diversions are in place. 

Commuters are being told to avoid the area if possible as there will be long delays due to congestion.

A spokseperson for GMP said,

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A road closure is currently in place on Deansgate in the city centre.

Shortly after 2.30pm today (Wednesday 30 October 2019), police were called to reports of two men acting suspiciously on Chapel Street in Salford.

Officers swiftly attended and two men were arrested nearby after a Range Rover was stopped on Deansgate. They remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

A precautionary cordon is currently in place around the Range Rover on Deansgate after suspicious items were discovered in the car.

Officers leading the investigation are liaising with bomb disposal officers in order to identify these items.

Deansgate is currently closed from Chester Road roundabout and diversions are in place. Commuters are advised to avoid the area where possible due to congestion.

Police have stressed that there is no evidence to suggest any threat to the public at this time and they are keeping an open mind as to the nature of the incident.

No further details on the men have so far been released and enquiries are currently ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 1558 of October 30, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.