A busy stretch of road in Chorlton was cordoned off for almost five hours today (January 2) after a suspicious package was discovered outside a supermarket.
Police were called to the Morrisons on Wilbraham Road at around 9:20am following the discovery outside the supermarket’s ATM.
The roads surrounding the supermarket were promptly closed off, nearby businesses evacuated and residents ordered to stay inside as emergency services descended on the car park to investigate.
Ambulance and fire crews could be seen working within the cordon alongside a bomb disposal unit.
It is believed the suspicious package is linked to an attempted robbery of the supermarket’s cash machine in the early hours of this morning. The M.E.N understands a security guard discovered the package while inspecting the ATM.
The incident meant that one of the busiest junctions in Chorlton, including the main supermarket, Albany Road trading estate, post office and tram stop were all inaccessible for more than four hours.
A car stranded in the cordon on Wilbraham Road
(Image: Jason Roberts / Manchester Evening News)
Officers on the cordon had to turn away a steady stream of shoppers and cars, forced to turn down side streets which quickly became clogged with vehicles.
The cordon finally lifted and roads opened again just before 2pm, with a queue quickly forming outside Morrisons, which is now open as normal. Services have also resumed at Chorlton tram stop, according to the Bee Network on X.
When approached for comment earlier today, Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 9.20am this morning (Thursday, January 2 2025), officers were called to reports of a suspicious package which was located by a member of the public on Wilbraham Road in Manchester.
“A nearby commercial premises has been evacuated as per standard procedure.
“The incident is believed to be isolated with no threat to the wider community and officers remain in the area.
“EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] are attending the scene, and a small cordon is in place.”