Terror suspects are dragged from their Range Rover and arrested in Manchester street before the area is put on lockdown as ‘suspicious items’ are found in the vehicle
- Greater Manchester Police arrested two men shortly after 2.30pm today
- Officers called in the bomb squad to check the suspects’ black Range Rover
- The pair have been arrested on suspicion of preparing terrorism offences
Suspicious items found in a car as two men were arrested over terrorism offences represent no danger to the public, police have said.
Greater Manchester Police said officers were called shortly after 2.30pm on Wednesday to reports of two men acting suspiciously on Chapel Street in Salford.
A force spokesman said two men were then arrested nearby after a Range Rover was stopped on Deansgate in Manchester city centre.
Two men have been arrested in Manchester on suspicion of terrorism offences after police stopped a black Range Rover on Chapel Street, not far from the city centre
Police said suspicious items were found inside the Range Rover and they have called in the bomb squad for assistance
The two men are being questioned on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism
A section of the city centre was closed off for several hours while officers dealt with the incident
Witnesses saw officers pin the two suspects to the ground during their dramatic arrest.
A precautionary cordon was initially placed around the car after suspicious items were discovered inside and police liaised with bomb disposal officers to identify the items.
At about 7.30pm a police spokesman said: ‘These items have now been extensively examined by bomb disposal officers and it has been confirmed that they represent no danger to the public.
‘As a result the cordon has now been lifted.’
The two men remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and enquiries are continuing, the force said.
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.
Deansgate has been closed off and diversions are in place while the car is removed