A hotel in Manchester has been completely cleared out and a police operation is underway following a “chemical” incident that prompted emergency services to converge on the location.
Authorities shut down a section of Canal Street in Manchester’s Gay Village after receiving reports of a suspicious odor, suspected to be related to “chemicals,” leading to a search of a hotel room.
Law enforcement confirmed that there were no injuries, and a man, believed to be the room’s occupant, was apprehended and is currently in police custody.
Several shops were evacuated by police as investigations unfolded, drawing a substantial emergency response from police, ambulance, and fire services at the scene.
In an official statement, a spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) mentioned, “We are currently inspecting a hotel room at an establishment on Canal Street, Manchester. This follows a report of an unusual smell – likely linked to chemicals – raising suspicion.”
“The man, thought to be the occupant of the room, has been detained and is presently in custody. As a precaution, the hotel has been evacuated while specialized teams examine the substance and conduct further inquiries.”
“No injuries have been reported, and we are striving to determine the full circumstances. We appreciate the public’s patience as we carry on with our investigation.”
A cordon remains in place on Canal Street, but the police barricade on nearby Sackville Street has been taken down, though a continuous police presence is maintained in the vicinity.