Bomb squad called to Manchester after ‘fisherman pulls explosive device out the canal’

The bomb squad is currently in north Manchester after a fisherman ‘pulled a bomb out of the canal’ this morning.

They’re currently attending the scene in Newton Heath following reports a man dragged a suspected device out of the waterway.

According to the Manchester Evening News, surrounding roads are now closed with at least one business close to the scene reportedly evacuated.

Joan Ward runs a food van nearby. She told the MEN: “A chap came for a cup of tea and said ‘I’ve just fished a bomb out of the canal so I phoned the police’.

“He’s still there now talking to them and the bomb’s on the side of the canal. They’ve shut all the roads and said they could be closed all day, so we’ve got to close.

“Budget Greeting Cards on Chapter Street has been evacuated as well. You can see all the staff standing around outside.”

GMP has released a statement: “Officers were called shortly after 7.50am this morning to reports of a suspicious item being found near the Rochdale Canal on Grimshaw Lane in Newton Heath.

“EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) are to attend the scene and assess the item. A number of buildings have been evacuated and some road closures are in place as a precaution at this time.”