Teenager arrested after homes evacuated and bomb disposal team called to Manchester street

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after a suspicious device sparked an evacuation in Manchester. Neighbours were ordered to leave their homes on Fencot Drive, in Longsight, as a bomb disposal team descended on the street on Wednesday (January 8).

The item is understood to have been a 'crude contraption', rather than a sophisticated explosive device. It was found to have been viable following checks by specialist officers.

In an update issued today (Friday, January 10), Greater Manchester Police confirmed the teenager was arrested on suspicion possession of a firearm, in connection with the suspicious device.

He has since been bailed for that offence. The teenager was also arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of criminal property, and possession of cannabis.