Drugs raid ends in tower evacuation

Bomb squad called in after 'large firework' is found in city centre skyscraper

- AMY WALKER and LYELL TWEED

A 'LARGE firework' found by cops during a drugs raid sparked a mass evacuation of tower blocks in Manchester city centre.

Armed officers and the bomb squad were scrambled to Deansgate Square yesterday morning following the discovery.

Hundreds of people - and pets were evacuated from the four towers. Pictures showed residents standing in the street as the investigation continued into the afternoon.

A 100m cordon was put in place and people were told to stay away. Emergency services descended on the Owen Street buildings at around 9.30 am, according to witnesses. A message from the buildings' owners was sent to residents, telling them to leave 'immediately.

"Please do not ignore this message," it added. “Please kindly follow the instructions received and place yourself a minimum of 100 metres away from the Square."

At that point, police had released a statement saying a 'potential suspicious item' had been found. It was later confirmed to be a 'large firework.'