A man has been charged after a number of flats were evacuated while police investigated a ‘suspicious item’.

Mike Kabeya, 24, has been charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine; possession with intent to supply cannabis; possession of criminal property; and two counts of possession of a handgun.

Police visited Kabeya’s address on Owen Street in the city centre with a warrant yesterday morning (March 26).

Upon arrival at the property, police found what they thought could be an explosive device.

A cordon was put in place and police evacuated a number of flats as a safety precaution. The item was later discovered to be a large firework.

READ MORE: Greater Manchester: Number of flats evacuated and cordon in place

Speaking after the cordon was lifted, Detective Superintendent Chris Downey said: "Officers attended a flat on Owen Street earlier this morning to execute a warrant as part of an investigation into the supply of drugs.

“While in attendance at the flat officers discovered a possible explosive device. The EOD were called to the scene to assess the device, which has since been deemed to have been a large firework.”

The warrant was gained as part of an investigation into the supply of drugs by GMPs Operation Orion team

Kabeya will next appear at Manchester Magistrates Court on Monday 28 March 2022.