Bomb disposal unit: Lifelike explosive device at Old Trafford 'wasn't viable'
Greater Manchester Police confirmed on Sunday that the "suspect package" found at Old Trafford "wasn't viable."
After Manchester United's Premier League fixture versus AFC Bournemouth was abandoned due to a package found in the northwest quadrant of Old Trafford, bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion on a device that Greater Manchester Police subsequently described as "incredibly lifelike" but not viable.
Full assessment now concluded and found device wasn’t viable. A full search of the stadium is ongoing. Full update to follow.
— G M Police (@gmpolice) May 15, 2016
Related: Manchester United's match abandoned after 'suspect package' found at Old Trafford
The controlled explosion, which occurred just before 5 p.m. local time, took place after Old Trafford was evacuated. A source at Old Trafford said the device, found by security, included a mobile phone and was attached to a pipe, according to Haroon Siddique, Daniel Taylor, and Helen Pidd of the Guardian. It was reportedly believed to have been found in a set of toilets in the venue's northwest corner.
Initially described as an "Operation Code Red," the situation is apparently being monitored by anti-terror officials.
I may be wrong here but I'm not quite sure the enormity of what's happened at OT is registering. Lots still tweeting about meaningless games
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) May 15, 2016
"It is obviously a dark day in Premier League history," Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, said, according to BBC Sport. "We have obviously got to give our thanks to the club and the authorities for getting supporters out of the ground safely and home to their families."
As for the match, the Premier League "will seek to arrange the fixture as soon as practically possible and will advise fans accordingly."