Second suspicious package found in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester

A second package in Piccadilly Gardens has been identified as non-viable and a 26-year-old man has since been sectioned.

On Friday 3 May 2019 officers have been responding to reports of suspicious packages in Piccadilly Gardens and at Oldham Library.

They have since sectioned the man under the mental health act.

Police Superintendent Dave Pester of GMP’s City of Manchester Division, said: “I know today’s events have caused a lot of disruption to people, businesses and transport but I cannot thank everyone enough for their patience as we’ve responded to this.

“The investigation will look at every available piece of information so we can understand the motivation behind it and the circumstances that surround it.

“People’s safety is always our priority in everything that we do, which is why we have taken this extremely seriously and responded the way that we have.

“I’d like to once again thank you for your patience as we progress our enquiries and assure you that any updates we have on the investigation will be shared with you.”

The investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.