Police have issued an update after neighbours were evacuated following the discovery of a suspicious device in Longsight. Residents were told to leave their homes on Fencot Drive yesterday (January 8) following the discovery.
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed the item was found during a drugs raid at a property on the street. A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
The Manchester Evening News understands the device discovered was considered a ‘crude contraption’, rather than a sophisticated explosive device. But it was found to be viable after being checked by experts.
No arrests have been made in connection with the device, GMP confirmed in an update today (Thursday). Residents were ordered to leave with just a few minutes’ notice on Wednesday as a bomb disposal team arrived with police and firefighters.
They were told to go to Longsight Library for warmth, with Manchester hit by freezing temperatures during the incident. Some neighbours stayed with relatives elsewhere.
Officers at the scene
(Image: @mcroutlaws/Instagram)
A controlled explosion was carried out at the scene. One eyewitness said: “Police were there with a saw and the big red key going at the door. We were told we had to evacuate because of an explosive device.
“We went to the library but spent half the day walking around. Our opposite neighbour has agoraphobia and doesn’t go out, but she got carted out in a wheelchair.”
An elderly woman living nearby added: “I’ve been staying with my daughter. Police came to the door saying we had five minutes to evacuate, but wouldn’t tell us why. They just said they had found a device. I wasn’t really worried – I didn’t have time to think.”
Detective Inspector Christopher Woodburn said yesterday: “A controlled explosion was carried out safely following the recovery of a suspicious item this morning, and further assessments are underway, with cordons now becoming lifted. We would like to thank local residents for their patience, and would urge them to speak to officers should they have any concerns.”