n Friday afternoon, offices were evacuated and a man was detained police after reports of a suspicious package were made in Manchester city centre.

According to the Greater Manchester Police, the 26-year-old man was held officers and a cordon was put in place following the incident at Piccadilly Gardens. Photographs from the scene showed officers stood guard around the area, which would normally be a bustling scene on a Friday lunchtime.

A police spokesman said: ‘a cordon is in place in Piccadilly Gardens after reports of a suspicious package were made. A man aged 26 has been detained police and enquiries into the incident are ongoing. Thank you for your patience as we respond to this.’

The force later added: ‘Please follow directions from officers at Piccadilly Gardens. If you are working in the city and have been asked to stay indoors, please do so while officers carry out their enquiries.’