Canal Street cordoned off after ‘suspicious chemicals’ reported at hotel

Canal Street and several other streets in the Gay Village in Manchester have been cordoned off this afternoon.

Greater Manchester Police are attending reported of a smell that’s believed to be chemicals coming from a hotel room in the area.

There’s a huge emergency services presence in the area, including vehicles from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue, and the North West Ambulance Service.

Police have confirmed that they have detained a man who is believed to have been the occupant of the hotel room.

The hotel itself has been evacuated while the material is examined.

Thankfully, no one has been injured in the incident that has shut down part of Canal Street today.

GMP said in a statement: “We are currently searching a hotel room at a premises on Canal Street, Manchester. This follows a report of a smell – currently believed to be chemicals – causing suspicion.

“A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, has been detained and is currently in custody.

“As a precautionary measure, the hotel has been evacuated while specialist resources examine the material and conduct further enquiries.

“No-one has been injured and we are working to establish the full circumstances. We thank people for their patience as we continue with our work.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group