Manchester airport evacuated after suspicious package found in departure area
Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 has been evacuated after a suspicious unattended package was found by staff, according to UK media. A bomb squad dispatched to the area assessed the package and deemed it not to be dangerous.
Unconfirmed reports on social media suggested the package had ‘tested positive’ for a device.
The item was believed to be a bag that had been left for a long time in the drop-off area outside the airport.
The terminal was duly evacuated and cordoned off as a precaution.
Airport officials asked people to leave the area and keep away from windows and glass constructions.
There were no delays in plane departures or arrivals, according to the airport’s timetable.
As of about 9:00pm local time, the situation was resolved as the suspicious object was found not to have been dangerous.
Bomb scares in airports and other crowded public places have become relatively frequent as of late following this year’s deadly explosions in Brussels and Istanbul.
Following a thorough investigation, the bag has been cleared as a posing no threat & the process of reopening the terminal is underway. 2/3
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) August 18, 2016
As always, the safety & security of our passengers and staff is paramount, and we appreciate the patience of those affected tonight 3/3
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) August 18, 2016
@manairport member of staff just told me that bomb squad are on their way
— Khawer Ishtiaq (@kishtiaq) August 18, 2016
Due to an unattended bag being found outside terminal 2, the area has been cordoned off as a precaution, while an investigation takes place
— Manchester Airport (@manairport) August 18, 2016
@manairport Just been told by a member of staff that a package has tested positive for a device twice at #T2 - departures evacuated
— Khawer Ishtiaq (@kishtiaq) August 18, 2016
Possible bomb at Manchester airport evacuation @BBCNews@SkyNewsBreakpic.twitter.com/zINXl5gGfF
— tommy j oxtoby (@TommyjOx) August 18, 2016
VIDEO - #Manchester Airport evacuated after suspicious package found https://t.co/TgUN1hOiQjpic.twitter.com/M7Q9iv5h6a
— Ruptly (@Ruptly) August 18, 2016
just at #manchesterairport went to the toilet came out everyone has vanished very freaky whats happening pic.twitter.com/lTzXPXqFuX
— MikeC (@mikethecraigy) August 18, 2016