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 apartments this 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 9.30am, according to witnesses. A message from the buildings' owners was sent to residents, telling them to leave 'immediately'.
