Bomb disposal experts were scrambled to Stretford this evening after a report of a 'suspicious item' in a canal.
A scene was put in place at the bottom of Thomas Street, near to the footpath that leads to the Bridgewater Canal. A section of the walkway was taped off.
Several police cars, fire engines and a bomb disposal van were pictured stationed on the road. Experts from the bomb squad were sent to assess the item.
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One was pictured holding an x-ray device. Police said it was not found to viable.
The force has not revealed any further details about what it was. The cordon has since been lifted and emergency services started the leave the area from around 5.30pm.
A statement posted on the GMP Stretford Twitter account said: "We’ve had a scene on at the bottom of Thomas Street after being called to a report of a suspicious item in the canal this afternoon.
"After an assessment by EOD, the item wasn’t found to be viable and the scene is now being closed down. Thank you for your patience."
Follow updates as they came in and view further images from the scene here
