BOMB disposal experts have been deployed to Manchester city centre following reports of a suspicious package.

A controlled explosion hyas now been carried out and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) expets are carrying out an examination of the package contents.


Police were called to New York Street at around 7.30 this morning after the package was found near to the Mecure Manchester Piccadilly hotel.


A 100m cordon has been put in place and a number of roads are shut, commuters are advised to avoid the area as many bus and tram routes have also been affected.


Many travelling from the city centre on the Altrincham Metrolink line have been asked to get off their trams by police.


Supt Neil Bhole, said: “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.”