Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that two separate incidents involving reports of 'suspicious items' in Fallowfield are being treated as linked. The confirmation comes after bomb disposal experts were called to two homes just feet apart within a 24-hour period.
First incident on Abram Close
Emergency crews and bomb disposal experts first descended on Abram Close on Saturday evening (June 6) after a suspicious item was discovered in a front garden. A large cordon was put in place and 20 nearby homes were evacuated. The cordon remained in place into the early hours of Sunday morning as specialist crews worked on the scene. It is now understood that a backpack was found containing bottles filled with an unknown substance.
Second incident on Rostherne Avenue
A probe was launched by Greater Manchester Police as the scene was stood down on Sunday morning. However, just hours later at around 2.45pm, 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 was 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.
Police update and investigation
In an update issued this morning (Monday), a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said the incidents are being treated as linked and are being investigated together. The force previously confirmed that the incidents were not being treated as terror-related. No arrests have been made.
On Sunday, 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. Any information, CCTV, dash cam or mobile phone footage, can be shared with us online via our LiveChat service at gmp.police.uk or by calling 0161 856 4259, quoting the 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.'
