Police Evacuate Manchester Stadium, Dismantle Fake Bomb

Police evacuated Manchester United’s home stadium on the final day of the English Premier League season and dismantled a fake bomb Sunday just days after Britain raised its terror alert against Irish extremism.

Police initially described the device as “incredibly lifelike” as Manchester United’s planned match with Bournemouth was cancelled, to the boos of some fans. Four hours later, bomb technicians reported that the device was a hoax.

The security alert reflects increased security at Premier League stadiums following last year’s Paris attacks that targeted the Stade de France sports stadium as well as cafes, bars and a concert hall. It followed the British government’s announcement Wednesday that it was raising the nation’s threat level due to intelligence indicating the “strong possibility” of attacks in Britain by factions of the outlawed Irish Republican Army.

Read more at nytimes.com

Image courtesy of Huffington Post