Deansgate Square: firework sparked ‘bomb scare’ evacuation from apartments in Manchester city centre

Flats in Deansgate Square in Manchester city centre were evacuated on Saturday morning amid concerns about a suspicious device.

However, experts from the bomb squad called out to the flat in Owen Street discovered the ‘possible explosive device’ was in fact a ‘large firework.’

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs and firearms offences.

Detective Superintendent Chris Downey, of GMPs City of Manchester CID, said: “Officers attended a flat on Owen Street (on Saturday) 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 (bomb squad) were called to the scene to assess the device, which has since been deemed to have been a large firework.

“As a safety precaution a 100m cordon was put in place and residents were evacuated.

“The cordon has since been lifted and residents allowed to return to the buildings. We would like to thank the residents for their patience and compliance while we worked together with GMFRS and NWAS to ensure the incident was dealt with as quickly and safely as possible”.

The suspect remained in custody for questioning.