Manchester Airport‘s Terminal 2 has officially reopened to passengers after seven hours of disruption yesterday.
Staff and passengers were evacuated from the newly-opened terminal yesterday afternoon at around 3:20pm after there was reports of a ‘suspicious package’, and police then promptly closed roads and cordoned off the area, while flights and passengers were moved over to Terminal 1 as the package was assessed.
Several police vehicles, ambulances, and fire crews were then spotted by eyewitnesses parked near to the airport.
Manchester Airport issued a statement as the evacuation was underway yesterday and explained: “Following a report of a suspicious package in Terminal Two, a controlled evacuation is taking place as per standard procedure.
“We are in close contact with Greater Manchester Police, who are managing the response, and will provide an update on the situation as soon as possible.”
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Greater Manchester Police then followed with a statement shortly after: Police were called with a report of a suspicious package in Terminal 2 of Manchester Airport at around 3.20pm today [so] the terminal has been evacuated as per standard procedure and a cordon has been put in place as a safety precaution while an assessment is carried out.”
Terminal 2 was evacuated after there was reports of a ‘suspicious package’ / Credit: Twitter (@manairport)
There had been reports that the evacuation was prompted by a ‘trigger’ as a person went through security, according to the MEN, and a security scanner was believed to have picked up a suspicious package.
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Police were reportedly then called to investigate the baggage item and the alarm was raised.
But late last night, after the incident was said to have caused around seven hours of disruption at the airport, Greater Manchester Police concluded that “no security threat” was posed.
A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: “Following its investigation into a suspicious package reported in Terminal 2, Greater Manchester Police is satisfied that there is no security threat and has lifted the cordon that was in place.
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“We thank passengers for their patience.”
Scott Green – Assistant Chief Constable at GMP – also added: “Thankfully, on examination, the package was assessed and it was confirmed as not being a viable device.”
Featured Image – Manchester Airport Group (MAG)
News
Arrest made after 14-year-old boy found in critical condition on Market Street
Daisy Jackson
An arrest has been made after a teenage boy was found unresponsive on Market Street in Manchester city centre.
Detectives believe that the boy, 14, was approached by seven males who stole a designer jacket from him.
Following the altercation, he went into cardiac arrest and was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Thankfully, the teenager is continuing to recover well.
Detectives from Manchester City Centre Criminal Investigation Department confirmed that an 18-year-old male was arrested yesterday, Thursday 20 February.
He has been arrested on suspicion of robbery and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Mark Astbury of GMP’s City Centre Criminal Investigation Department, said: “We hope the victim can continue his recovery following what must have been a terrifying ordeal for him.
“Officers are fully investigating all aspects of this shocking incident that has left a man with serious injuries in hospital.
“Our work doesn’t stop here, we are continuing to investigate this incident and information from the public plays an incredibly important role in our investigations and I ask that the community keep talking to us and keep sharing their concerns with us so our teams can act.”
If you have any information, contact GMP 101 or 0161 856 4305 quoting log 2854 of 16/2/25.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials
Emily Sergeant
Trials are currently underway to see if comedy could be an alternative to antidepressants as a way to reduce NHS costs.
UK tech company Craic Health has secured important funding for its ‘comedy on prescription’ project that’s aimed at helping the Government work with the comedy industry, communities, and organisations on comedy-based social prescriptions in the hope that they can solve financial struggles within the NHS.
The groundbreaking scheme uses stand-up shows and workshops to help people who are isolated, lonely, and vulnerable.
Craic believes comedy is an ‘untapped opportunity’ to improve health and wellbeing, and has a goal to make comedy easier to access, so that it can help communities experience its mental health and social benefits.
To achieve this, the company has started trialling Comedy-on-Prescription experiences in the UK – starting in London, with the potential for expansion – which includes things like curated comedy panel game show events and workshops, and general stand-up comedy shows at some of the capital’s world-famous venues.
Comedy is being prescribed instead of antidepressants as part of UK trials / Credit: Wikimedia Commons
“Mental health issues like loneliness, isolation, and stress are more common than ever,” the company explains.
“So much so that it’s projected that by 2030, mental health problems, particularly depression, will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, [but] in this challenging world, comedy stands out as a universal language that breaks barriers.
“Research shows that comedy and laughter have powerful effects – they bring people together, create positive connections, and make life more enjoyable.”
Craic Health says that social prescribing, of which Comedy-on-Prescription is a part of, is all about inclusivity, which makes it making it suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
Its focus is on personalised support, tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The Manc -
20th October 2021 
