A man has been arrested on suspicion of making an explosive device amid a major emergency response in Manchester on Monday. Emergency crews descended on Canal Street in Manchester’s Gay Village after reports of “chemical substances” being found inside a hotel room.

Specialist teams searched the room after members of the public initially alerted police to the smell of suspected chemicals at around 10.45am. A large cordon was put in place along the usually bustling street between Sackville Street and Richmond Street, while the hotel was evacuated as a precaution. A number of nearby bars and pubs were also cleared during the incident. In an update, Greater Manchester Police said emergency services had “examined items” within the hotel room. Chemical substances discovered inside were later examined and were in the process of being “safely removed”.

A man, believed to be staying in the room, was detained on suspicion of making an explosive device and taken into custody for questioning.

Police said the examination of the chemicals “ruled out any explosive risk”. Nobody was injured during the incident.

A GMP spokesperson said: “The response to the incident on Canal Street in Manchester city centre is being reduced following reports of chemical substances being found.

“Emergency services examined items within a room inside a hotel following calls from the public at about 10:45am.

“A man, believed to be the occupant of the room, was detained on suspicion of making an explosive device and is currently in custody being questioned.

“Chemical substances found in the room have been examined and are in the process of being safely removed.

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