Manchester city centre evacuated over 'unexploded tank cartridge'

Military bomb disposal team called in to remove device

Police said the tank cartridge was believed to have been 'been there for some time' (Greater Manchester Police)

Police were forced to evacuate a number of buildings in Manchester city centre after an unexploded tank cartridge was found.

A military bomb disposal team was called in after the shell was uncovered on a building site in New Quay Street.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) closed surrounding roads and told people to leave nearby flats and offices, including the former studios of Granada Television.

Specialist officers were sent to the building site after the force was called shortly before midday.

“Early indications suggest the device has been there for some time,” the force said in a statement.

A bridge crossing the River Irwell was also closed.

The roads and bridge reopened three hours later after an “explosive ordnance disposal team from the military” removed the device, GMP said.

“Evacuated people now free to return to their buildings and cars,” the force tweeted.

It is not yet where when or where the cartridge was made.