Bomb disposal experts destroyed the ‘suspect package’ in a controlled explosion but police have since confirmed that the item ‘wasn’t viable’

Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that the suspect package which forced Manchester United’s Premier League match against Bournemouth to be abandoned was a hoax.

Old Trafford was fully evacuated shortly after 3pm on Sunday afternoon after a steward discovered a suspicious item in the north-west section of the ground.

Goal understands that the item, which was found in the toilets of an executive suite, looked similar to a pipe bomb.

Bomb disposal experts were called to Old Trafford to destroy the item in a controlled explosion.

In response to the initial security threat, United evacuated both the Stretford End and the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand before 2:50pm.

Shortly after 3pm, United, on the advice of the police, abandoned the game and ordered a full evacuation of the stadium.

The Premier League has confirmed that the match will be rescheduled ‘as soon as practically possible’, with United due to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley next Saturday.

Goal.com……

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