Man arrested on suspicion of ‘making explosive device’ in UK city centre

The whole street was placed in lockdown

Yesterday, a large police presence was put in place after a major UK city street was cleared due to a "chemical incident".

It comes after a hotel was evacuated following the smell of "chemicals" being reported.

Police said that a room in the hotel had been searched and that one man was arrested who was believed to be the occupant of the room.

Police arrested a man in Manchester after the incident which happened on Canal Street in Manchester's Gay Village which was first reported on Monday (11 May).

In an updated statement, GMP said: "The response to the incident on Canal Street in Manchester city centre is being reduced following reports of chemical substances being found.

"Emergency services examined items within a room inside a hotel following calls from the public at about 10:45am.

"A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, was detained on suspicion of making an explosive device and is currently in custody being questioned.

"Chemical substances found in the room have been examined and are in the process of being safely removed.

"The subsequent examination ruled out any explosive risk.

"We are working with the hotel management to return the establishment to normal after staff and guests were evacuated as a precaution.

"We would like to thank the public and surrounding businesses for their patience as we continue with our work."

Yesterday, GMP said in a statement that "no-one has been injured" in the incident.

The police cordon was in place from the junction with Abingdon Street to the junction with Sackville Street.