'Bomb' at Old Trafford was a hoax, say police

The suspect package detonated at Old Trafford was "not viable", Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed.

A controlled explosion was carried out at Manchester United's Old Trafford football ground Sunday afternoon. The game against Bournemouth – the final one of the season – was called off and two stands, the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and the Stretford End, were evacuated.

GMP said in a statement: "Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion at Old Trafford on what is described as an incredibly lifelike explosive device. Full assessment has now concluded and found that the device wasn't viable."

It is believe the package consisted of a mobile phone attached to a pipe. It was discovered just before the game began and fans in the rest of the ground were asked to remain in their seats.

Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police John O'Hare said earlier: ""We don't make these decisions lightly and we have done this today to ensure the safety of all those attending. I am thankful for everyone's support and assistance and we will continue to provide updates on this matter as soon as they become available."

The game will be replayed as soon as possible, according to the Premier League, However, it said in a statement there were "logistical issues that need to be resolved", adding "they cannot even start to begin discussing them until the police have done what they need to do here [at Old Trafford]".

Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters' Trust, told the BBC: "It is obviously a dark day in Premier League history. We have obviously got to give our thanks to the club and the authorities for getting supporters out of the ground safely and home to their families.

"If it turns out there was a bomb at Old Trafford, it is obviously a concern that we have these type of people in our midst and it is going to have a huge effect on security at football matches in the future."