LIVE: Emergency services scrambled as city centre street cordoned off

A city centre road has been cordoned off this afternoon with emergency services on the scene.

Footage shows a large cordon in place on John Dalton Street near Deansgate on Wednesday (January 15), with a number of fire engines and police cars on the scene. The exact nature of the incident is not yet clear.

Buses appear to be diverting around the scene, which has blocked the street in both directions.

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have been contacted for more information.

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People are being asked to 'avoid the area' around John Dalton Street this afternoon to minimise disruption. There is not thought to be a wider risk to the public.

A GMP Spokesperson said: “At around 1:10pm today (15/01/2025) police were called to John Dalton Street in Manchester City Centre to support colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service managing a suspected gas leak.

“Road closures are in place, and we ask people to avoid the area while work is ongoing to minimise disruption.”

Some businesses on John Dalton Street have been forced to evacuate, telling the Manchester Evening News they have not been given any update as to when they will be able to return to their premises.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said:“At just after 1.05pm on Wednesday (January 15) two fire engines from Salford Community Fire Station were called to reports of a gas leak on John Dalton Street, Manchester.

“A cordon was put in place with adjacent buildings evacuated as a precaution. Crews are working with colleagues from Cadent Gas and Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe. GMFRS remain in