Police cordoned off the area with blue tape and scene guards are urging the public not to approach the Gardens while the package is being dealt with by professionals. The cordon covers McDonalds, Piccadilly Gardens, and part of a tram station, the Manchester Evening News reports. A man, 26, has been detained by police who say another suspicious package was found in a Manchester library today. 

Traffic is heavily congested in the city as a result of the cordon.

The fire brigade are also on the scene.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said the incident could be related to the evacuation of Oldham Library, which was also evacuated due to a suspicious package being found there also.

GMP said in a statement: ““A cordon remains in place in Piccadilly Gardens after reports of a suspicious package were made. A man aged 26 has now been formally arrested and is in custody.

“Assessors, along with the fire service, will be attending to establish if the item is viable. Transport links including the Metrolink have been affected as a result of the cordon.

“As part of enquiries, Oldham Library has also been evacuated after reports of a suspicious device found there. Officers are keeping an open mind and are exploring the possibility the incidents are linked.”

Social media users shared their concerns on Twitter at the news.

One said: “In town and Piccadilly gardens has been completely shut off, siren going off and police everywhere wtfff.”

Another said: “Piccadilly Gardens has been cordoned off by police after reports of a suspicious package. Surrounding buildings have been evacuated.”

Another Twitter user said: “I’ve never seen anything like it – the whole of Piccadilly Gardens has been closed and cordoned off due to a suspicious package.”

Buses around the area have been diverted.

Manchester Metrolink tweeted: “We have NO services operating Piccadilly – Victoria or St Peters Square – Piccadilly. Updates to follow. “

This followed their earlier tweet: “Due to an police incident in the city centre, we have the following service changes: Bury – Deansgate via Exchange Square, Bury – Altrincham via Exchange Square, Airport – Victoria via Exchange Square, Eccles – Cornbrook and Ashton – Piccadilly.”

In the latest police update, GMP said: “The suspicious package in Piccadilly Gardens is not believed to be a viable device.

“The fire service is currently at the scene to assist with enquires.

“A cordon will remain in place util the materials are made safe to move and enquires are concluded.

“The 26-year-old man remains in custody for questioning.”

More to follow… 

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