A man faces arrest on suspicion of producing an explosive device following a large-scale emergency operation in Manchester’s Gay Village. Emergency responders rushed to Canal Street on Monday, May 11, after members of the public reported a chemical odor from a hotel room.
Incident Unfolds on Canal Street
Specialist units thoroughly inspected the room after the alert around 10:45 a.m. Authorities established a wide cordon along the busy street, evacuating the hotel and several adjacent pubs as a precaution. The closure spanned the section between Sackville Street and Richmond Street, lasting several hours until approximately 4 p.m.
Police officers, firefighters, detectives, and forensics teams in white suits were visible throughout the secured area, documenting the scene and analyzing materials.
Police Confirm No Explosive Threat
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson provided an update, stating that crews examined items in the hotel room. The chemical substances underwent testing and were in the process of safe removal that evening. The man, believed to be the room’s occupant, remains in custody for questioning.
The spokesperson confirmed that examinations ruled out any explosive risk, with no injuries reported. Greater Manchester Police issued this full statement:
“The response to the incident on Canal Street in Manchester city centre is being reduced following reports of chemical substances being found. Emergency services examined items within a room inside a hotel following calls from the public at about 10:45am.
“A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, was detained on suspicion of making an explosive device and is currently in custody being questioned. Chemical substances found in the room have been examined and are in the process of being safely removed.
“The subsequent examination ruled out any explosive risk. We are working with the hotel management to return the establishment to normal after staff and guests were evacuated as a precaution.
“We would like to thank the public and surrounding businesses for their patience as we continue with our work.”
Officers continue coordinating with hotel management to restore normal operations.
