Bomb squad swoops on Morrisons supermarket with shoppers evacuated & warned to stay away after ‘attempted robbery’
A BOMB squad has swooped on a Morrisons supermarket after reports of a "suspicious package" following an "attempted robbery".
Cops and emergency services rushed to the supermarket in Chorlton, Manchester, this morning with frightened shoppers evacuated from the area.
It's believed the suspicious device is linked to an attempted robbery of a cash machine at the store on Wilbraham Road.
Images show an area taped off near to the Morrisons petrol station.
Firefighters were also seen attending alongside police and the bomb disposal unit.
Shoppers were warned to stay away from the area but Greater Manchester Police said they believe it is an "isolated incident".
A spokesperson for Morrisons said: "Following an incident at the Chorlton store, the store is now closed on police instruction."
Chorlton tram stop, which is next to the Morrisons, has been closed due to the bomb scare.
A post from the Bee Network on X says: "Due to an on-going police incident, Chorlton tram stop will be closed in both directions.
"During this time no trams will be stopping at Chorlton as trams will operate straight through.
"We apologise for any inconvenience caused."
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At around 9.20am this morning (Thursday, January 2 2025), officers were called to reports of a suspicious package which was located by a member of the public on Wilbraham Road in Manchester.
"A nearby commercial premises has been evacuated as per standard procedure.
"The incident is believed to be isolated with no threat to the wider community and officers remain in the area.
"EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] are attending the scene, and a small cordon is in place."