The bomb squad has been called out to Old Trafford after a “suspicious item” was discovered on a man refusing to pay for his bus ticket.

At around 6.45pm on Wednesday, April 19 police were called to Stretford Road following reports that a bus passenger was refusing to pay the fare and causing disruption.

Officers discovered a suspicious item, and a man was arrested.

He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were called to the scene to assess the item.

Members of the public were urged to avoid the area and road closures were put in place on Stretford Road and East Union Street.

At 9.45pm last night, GMP Trafford North Tweeted: “At around 6:45pm this evening (Wednesday, April 19), GMP were called to Stretford Road following a report that a bus passenger was refusing to pay the fare and causing some disruption.

“Officers attended and discovered a suspicious item. A man has been arrested and remains in police custody. “In line with normal procedure, a scene remains in place whilst EOD assess the item.

“Members of the public are asked to avoid the area, with road closures in place on Stretford Road and East Union Street.”

In an update today a spokesperson from GMP said a man remains in police custody and enquiries are ongoing.