17 May 2024 , 22:17
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The ’weapon’ had been carried by a student
This was the moment armed police stormed a university building in Manchester - but not everything was as it seemed. A major response was sent out after genuine concerns were raised at Manchester Metropolitan University’s (MMU) Grosvenor East building.
Six armed response units were sent out to the site, at the junction of Oxford Road and Grosvenor Street, this lunchtime (May 17). Several officers carrying guns were seen entering the site.
Students watched on from the street as police cars descended and officers made their way inside Grosvenor East. But the major response was the result of a ’misunderstanding’, MMU confirmed.
A student had been seen leaving a theatre rehearsal while carrying a fake sword. The person who saw them called the police with genuine concerns for the safety of people inside the building.
Officers soon realised that the call-out had not been as expected and the incident was stood down. A GMP spokesman said: "Armed officers were called to a building on Grosvenor Street this morning after reports were made of a male with a sword in the city centre.
"After locating the male, officers found the sword to be a wooden prop designed for theatrical purposes. The incident has been stood down."