Armed police swarmed a pub in Salford after a rogue phone call claiming that a gunman was inside.
Officers were seen surrounding the Coach and Horses on Eccles New Road in Weaste, which is currently boarded up, at around 7pm.
They say they had been told there was a man inside the building with a gun.
However, after extensive searches no one was found. Nor was there any evidence of any firearms.
The major road was closed for nearly half an hour while police responded.
Trams also use the road and Metrolink services were suspended on the Eccles line for a short time before resuming once it was established there was no threat.
Police say they are now investigating if it was a hoax or malicious call.
GMP said in a statement: "Police received a report of a man with a gun at the Coach and Horses pub on Eccles New Road.
"The road was closed just after 7pm until 7.20pm.
"Armed police attended.
"There was no evidence of anyone with a firearm.
"It was potentially a hoax/malicious call."
