Armed police evacuate UK airport station over bomb threat

Controlled explosion takes place as Manchester Airport station evacuated

Armed police have evacuated Manchester Airports over concerns about a suspicious package. Paul Thomas / Bloomberg

The train station serving the UK's Manchester Airport has been evacuated and bomb disposal experts have conducted a controlled explosion on a suspicious package.

Armed officers attended the airport station on Monday morning.

Witnesses reported hearing a controlled explosion.

Caroline Watson, a coach driver in the area, told the local paper: "I heard a big bang, a controlled explosion. It was pretty loud. I am quite a way away from the actual building.”

The incident has been affecting bus and Metrolink services in the area but flights have not been delayed.

The police have confirmed a controlled explosion has taken place to ensure the package is safe.

Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers are currently responding to reports of a suspicious package at Manchester Airport transport interchange.

"Further enquiries are being carried out and bomb disposal officers are on their way to assist with these enquiries.

"A man has been detained by police at the scene."

A cordon is in place at Manchester Airport transport interchange.

Trams, trains and buses are suspended to and from the airport interchange.

In a statement Metrolink said: "Due to a police incident at Manchester Airport, services on the Manchester Airport line will only operate from Victoria — Wythenshawe town centre."

Police say the cordons will remain in place while they secure the area.

Mass queues have formed outside the airport.

It has created more misery for passengers following the collapse of the UK travel company Thomas Cook overnight.