Manchester security alert: Piccadilly Gardens and Oldham library evacuated as police investigate two 'suspicious packages'

Twenty-six-year-old man arrested as officers place city centre park on lockdown

Police have cordoned off a park in Manchester city centre and evacuated a library after two “suspicious packages” were found.

A bus station has been shut and trams have been suspended as bomb disposal experts investigate a backpack discovered in Piccadilly Gardens.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested and taken into custody, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

The force said Oldham library, eight miles away, had also been evacuated “after reports of a suspicious device found there”,

GMP added: “Officers are keeping an open mind and are exploring the possibility the incidents are linked.”

In a picture posted online, officers can be seen examining a rucksack in Piccadilly Gardens early on Friday afternoon. Armed police and sniffer dogs were also at the scene.

Police said explosives experts had assessed the bag’s contents and it was “not believed to be a viable device”.

GMP added: "The fire service is currently at the scene to assist with enquiries.

“A cordon will remain in place until the materials are made safe to move and enquiries have concluded.”

A bomb disposal squad was also pictured outside Oldham library, where the Manchester Evening News reported a suspect package was discovered in the men's toilets.

The whole of Piccadilly Gardens, as well as surrounding roads and tram lines, have been cordoned off. Several buildings have reportedly also been evacuated.

“I’ve never seen anything like it – the whole of Piccadilly Gardens has been closed and cordoned off due to a suspicious package,” tweeted Laurence Hebberd.

GMP urged locals to “follow directions from officers”.

It tweeted: “If you are working in the city and have been asked to stay indoors, please do so while officers carry out their enquiries. We will provide updates as soon as we can.”