Emergency crews responded to Canal Street in Manchester on Monday following reports of 'chemical substances' found in a hotel room. A large cordon was put in place, and the hotel was evacuated. Nearby bars and pubs were also evacuated as a precaution.
The street was cordoned off between Sackville Street and Richmond Street, according to multiple reports. One man, believed to be the occupant of the hotel room, was detained and is in custody, police confirmed. He was arrested on suspicion of making an explosive device, according to multiple media reports.
The smell of suspected chemicals was reported to police by members of the public, police said, according to major media. Specialist teams searched the hotel room, major media outlets reported. No-one was injured in the incident, police said.
The investigation is ongoing, and the cordon remains in place while specialist officers continue their work. The specific substances found have not been disclosed, and the suspect's motive or intended target remains unclear. It is also not known whether any device was functional or capable of causing harm.
The identity and background of the arrested man have not been released. Greater Manchester Police have not provided further details on the nature of the chemicals, but they have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat. The evacuation caused significant disruption in the city's popular nightlife district, with many patrons and residents forced to leave the area.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.