We are happy there was no deliberate or malicious motive and this nothing more than an irresponsible act by the person involved.
He has been advised of his actions, which following a review of all information available to us, does not amount to a criminal act.
We took the precautionary steps we did because at the time we did not know what was in the bag or why it had been left.
Clearly this incident brought significant disruption to the city centre and I would like to reiterate to the public the importance of keeping your belongings on you and safe at all times.
Crowds waiting for cordon to be lifted in Manchester
Crowds gather in Manchester city centre waiting for cordon to be lifted Credit: Matt O'Donoghue
Police are closing down a cordon in the city centre following a controlled explosion on a suspicious package, which contained a laptop and cables.
Cordon earlier in Manchester city centre Credit: Matt O'Donoghue
Police were called to New York Street at 7.35am to reports of a suspicious package having been left near to the Mecure Manchester Piccadilly hotel.
The Mercure Hotel Credit: Matt O'Donoghue
A 100m cordon was put in place and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts attended. EOD officers carried out a controlled explosion and following an examination of the package it was found to contain no explosive device.
Police have closed down a cordon in the city centre following a controlled explosion on a suspicious package, which contained a laptop and cables.
Police were called to New York Street at 7.35am to reports of a suspicious package having been left near to the Mecure Manchester Piccadilly hotel.
A 100m cordon was put in place and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts attended. EOD officers carried out a controlled explosion and following an examination of the package it was found to contain no explosive device.
“This incident has caused significant disruption this morning but we have to put the safety of the public ahead of inconvenience and disruption and we make no apology for the steps taken.
“We have dealt with this as quickly as possible without jeopardising public safety and everything should now be returning to normal.
“We obviously cannot speculate on the motive for the bag being left where it was but will now be carrying out an investigation to try and trace the individual involved.”
– Superintendent Neil Bhole
The cordon has been reduced and just a small cordon remains in place around the package.
Cordon in place as bomb disposal experts investigate 'suspicious package' found in Manchester city centre
A cordon has been put in place in the city centre after police received reports of a suspicious package.
Police were called to New York Street at 7.35am this morning after reports of a suspicious package near to the Mecure Manchester Piccadilly hotel.
A cordon has been put in place and a number of roads are shut while the incident is dealt with.
The incident is likely to disrupt some bus and tram journeys and motorists and commuters are advised to avoid the area.
A 100 metre cordon has been put in place and bomb disposal experts are en route.
“I appreciate that this incident is causing significant disruption to commuters and businesses but the safety and welfare of the public is our top priority.
“We are investigating a suspicious package and at this stage we don’t know the extent of this.
“We make no apologies for the steps taken to ensure a safe resolution to this incident and we are working as quickly as possible.
“I would urge the public to bear with us while we deal with this incident.”
