Old Trafford evacuated: Manchester United v Bournemouth Premier League match abandoned
Two stands cleared of fans 20 minutes before scheduled kick-off after suspect package found in the ground
The Premier League match between Manchester United and Bournemouth was abandoned on Sunday after a suspect package was found in the ground and an army bomb disposal unit was called in to make a controlled explosion.
The Alex Ferguson Stand and the Stretford End of the Old Trafford ground were evacuated about 20 minutes before the scheduled kickoff at 10pm (Hong Kong time). Sniffer dogs were used to search the area.
“Due to a suspect package being found in the northwest quadrant, today’s match has been abandoned on police advice,” the club said on its website.
Greater Manchester Police said they were working with staff at the club to investigate a suspicious item found at the stadium.
“A controlled evacuation of the stadium has now taken place. We are awaiting the arrival of military colleagues to come and support us and establish what exactly we are dealing with,” said Assistant Chief Constable John O’Hare.
