Police tape off area near Etihad Stadium as Manchester City fans told 'seek alternative route'
Police have taped off an area near the Etihad Stadium just hours before Manchester City's clash against Southampton. Football fans have been issued a warning telling them to 'seek an alternative route' after a police probe was launched.
A stretch of the Ashton Cancal has been taped off, with officers standing guard. A police tent has also been seen at the location - which is less than a mile away from the football stadium.
According to witnesses, several police cars and an ambulance are at the scene. It is understood that police are responding to reports of an item recovered from the canal.
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It is not yet known if the item is suspicious. The cordon is in place on Clayton Lane, Manchester Evening News reports.
It comes ahead of the Premier League match, which is due to kick off at 3pm. Officers have issued a warning to football fans ahead of the game.
A GMP Manchester East spokesman posted on Facebook: "We are currently responding to an incident on Clayton Lane near to the canal with other emergency services. For those attending the #MCFC fixture soon please be aware a scene is in place, and you will have to seek an alternative route towards the Etihad Stadium."
Fans are being stopped from using the canal as a walking route to the Etihad Stadium. The scene is understood to be hust behind the City Football Academy - Manchester City's training ground.
A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: "Shortly after 11.35am today (Saturday, October 26), two fire engines from Gorton Community Fire Station and the Water Incident Unit and Enhance Rescue Unit from Eccles and Ashton-under-Lyne fire stations were called to attend an incident on Clayton Lane, Manchester. Crews arrived quickly and worked alongside Greater Manchester Police and North West Ambulance Service to make the area safe and were in attendance for approximately one hour."