Police have issued a major update after officers and bomb squad teams were called to reports of suspicious items at two homes just feet apart in the space of 24 hours in Fallowfield, Manchester.
First Incident on Abram Close
On Saturday, June 6, at around 6pm, emergency services including fire crews, ambulances, and army bomb disposal experts responded to a report of a suspicious backpack in a front garden containing bottles filled with an unknown substance. A large cordon was established, and approximately 20 nearby homes were evacuated. Residents were directed to Fallowfield Library for shelter. The cordon remained in place into the early hours of Sunday morning before being stood down. Investigations into this incident are ongoing.
Resident Abdullah Hagos, 48, said: "There were loads of police around and we had to leave. We stood at the end of the road but then we were moved further back when the cordon was extended. We thought, if something explodes, it would go everywhere, so we had to move back... I think it was just a scare."
Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, added: "Police came to the door, they said you have to leave now, and that was it. We stood around the corner for a while, and then we were told to go to the library where we could get a drink. We weren't let back in until gone 12 o'clock. It's normally a quiet street so I was worried."
Second Incident on Rostherne Avenue
Just hours later, at around 2:45pm on Sunday, June 7, emergency crews again descended on the area, including bomb squad teams, after a second report of a suspicious item outside a property just feet away on Rostherne Avenue. This item is now understood to have been a modified firework. Residents in several nearby houses were again told to leave as a precaution and directed to Fallowfield Library until they could safely return home. Army bomb disposal robots were seen in attendance, along with fire crews and officers from Greater Manchester Police.
No arrests have been made. Both incidents relate to different properties and are not being treated as terror-related.
Police Appeal
Detective Chief Inspector Peter Morley of GMP's City of Manchester Division said: "We thank everyone for their patience so far whilst we deal with this incident as our investigation into the full circumstances continues. Incidents such as these are likely to cause alarm in the local community, but please be reassured that there is no wider threat. A number of road closures are in place; please avoid the area and find alternative routes. Officers will be on hand to ensure the safety of people in the nearby area – please speak to them if you have any concerns. As our work continues, it is vital that anyone who has any information – no matter how small – should report it to us and allow us to investigate."
Anyone with information, CCTV, dash cam, or mobile phone footage can share it online via GMP's LiveChat service at gmp.police.uk or by calling 0161 856 4259, quoting log number 1948 of 07/06/26. Details can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency.
