A major security alert brought a Salford shopping precinct to a standstill this afternoon after the discovery of a suspicious item triggered a full-scale emergency response.
Shoppers and staff were urgently evacuated from the centre as armed police and a specialist bomb disposal unit raced to the scene. The dramatic incident caused significant disruption, with surrounding roads cordoned off and public transport diverted.
Chaos and Confusion as Centre Locked Down
Witnesses described scenes of confusion as the evacuation got underway. Police officers were seen urging people to move away from the area quickly while establishing a large safety perimeter. The nature of the suspicious item has not been officially disclosed, but the deployment of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team indicates the seriousness with which the threat was treated.
Emergency Services in Full Attendance
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were in attendance, leading the operation. A spokesperson stated: "We were called to reports of a suspicious item at a shopping precinct. As a precaution, the centre has been evacuated and cordons are in place. EOD have been called to assess the item."
The public was advised to avoid the entire area until the all-clear was given, causing significant travel chaos for afternoon commuters and shoppers.
Community Reaction and Ongoing Situation
Local businesses outside the cordon reported a sudden drop in footfall, while social media was flooded with messages from concerned residents. The incident highlights the ongoing vigilance of security services and the rapid response protocols in place for potential threats in public spaces.
The situation remained ongoing for several hours, with police and bomb squad experts working meticulously to ensure the scene was safe.
