Two men arrested on suspicion of terror offences in Manchester

30 October 2019, 19:28

The area surrounding Deansgate has a police presence
The area surrounding Deansgate has a police presence. Picture: Twitter / @JournoIsaac

By Maddie Goodfellow

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences after "suspicious items" were found in a car.

A road closure is currently in place on Deansgate in Manchester City Centre after police were called to reports of two men acting suspiciously.

Police arrested the two men after a Range Rover was stopped nearby and suspicious items were found in the car.

The two men remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism.

Greater Manchester Police said the items had been "extensively examined" by bomb disposal officers and represented no danger to the public.

In a tweet posted at about 7.30pm the force said the cordon had been lifted.

The area was cordoned off
The area was cordoned off. Picture: Twitter / @Psychobe

A precautionary cordon is currently in place around the Range Rover on Deansgate.

Officers are now liaising with bomb disposal officers in order to identify the suspicious items items.

There are severe delays and road closures in the surrounding area
There are severe delays and road closures in the surrounding area. Picture: Twitter / @JournoIsaac

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed on their Twitter that 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.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 1558 of 30/10/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.