Bomb experts carry out controlled explosion at Old Trafford
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MANCHESTER - A bomb disposal unit carried out a controlled explosion at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium on Sunday, after a suspect package was discovered inside the venue before the Premier League game between United and Bournemouth.
Military personnel were dispatched to the stadium after the game was postponed following an evacuation of spectators from two stands -- The Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the Stretford End -- about 30 minutes before the scheduled kickoff time of 3pm local time.
Players from both teams were taken off the pitch during the warm-up and kept in the changing rooms. They were then let out while spectators were also being evacuated.
"We are doing everything we can to investigate this item as quickly as possible, however our priority is obviously to ensure the safety of everyone in the stadium and surrounding area," said John O'Hare, assistant chief constable of Greater Manchester Police.
United said the package was "found in the North West Quadrant" of Old Trafford, which has a capacity of more than 75,000 seats. Fans sitting in other stands initially had been allowed to stay inside the stadium.
