A large section of Manchester's city centre has been cordoned off following reports of a 'suspicious package'.
The cordon has been placed around Piccadilly Gardens and some of its surrounding streets, while public transport services have also ground to a halt.
Police initially confirmed that a 26-year-old man has been detained, and said enquiries into the incident are 'ongoing'.
They added: "Please follow directions from officers at #PiccadillyGardens. If you are working in the city and have been asked to stay indoors, please do so while officers carry out their enquiries. We will provide updates as soon as we can. #Manchester #CityCentre."
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In a later update, police said the man had been officially arrested and is now in custody.
They also said Oldham Library had been evacuated as part of enquiries, after reports of a 'suspicious device' was found there.
"Officers are keeping an open mind and are exploring the possibility the incidents are linked," the statement added.
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Metrolink tweeted to say tram services in the city centre had stopped running, while Stagecoach said the bus station is 'currently closed'.
Manchester Evening News reporter Steve Robson tweeted: "Police are dealing with a suspect package. The cordon extends all around Picc Gardens including the bus station. The area is jam packed full of people trying to get back to work after lunch."
Many locals have said on social media that there is a 'large police presence' in the area, noting how empty the city centre also seems.
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One person tweeted: "Suspicious package clears #PiccadillyGardens! I've never seen it so quiet."
Someone else said: "Suspicious package at #PiccadillyGardens quietest I've seen it #Manchester."
A third wrote: "#PiccadillyGardens is deserted right now and it's spooky."
Featured Image Credit: LADbibleTopics: UK News, News, Manchester
