A police bomb squad was scrambled after the discovery close to a major tram stop
An explosion was carried out after a shell was found in a city centre canal, the Manchester Evening News understands.
Police shut off an area near a major tram stop with the bomb squad called to the scene last night (July 19).
Emergency services were pictured at the scene next to Cornbrook tram stop, in Manchester city centre, on Saturday night.
A cordon was in place on Cornbrook Road, with a number of police vehicles and fire engines at the scene. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team were also called out, the fire service confirmed.
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The M.E.N. now understands that a shell had been discovered in the Bridgewater Canal.
The EOD dealt with and disposed of the device, carrying out a controlled explosion.
It is understood that that the controlled explosion was part of routine protocol, and does not necessarily mean the device was viable.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 9.10pm (Saturday 19 July) fire crews were called to assist with an incident on Cornbrook Road, Old Trafford.
“Two fire engines from Salford and Stretford stations, as well as the technical response unit from Ashton, were quickly mobilised to the scene.
“Fire crews remain at the scene, working alongside Greater Manchester Police and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to make the area safe.”
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