Police probe Bolton bomb hoax

Greater Manchester Police are investigating a bomb hoax which led to Bolton’s Reebok Stadium being evacuated today.

Staff found a device in a lift in the morning and contacted the police, who believe it was planted with “malicious intent”.

A statement from the club read: “Greater Manchester Police were sufficiently concerned that they contacted the Bomb Disposal Unit and advised an immediate and complete evacuation of the Reebok Stadium, De Vere Whites Hotel and the Reebok offices.

“The Bomb Disposal Unit attended the incident promptly and instigated a thorough examination at the scene.

“The investigation eventually confirmed the device to be a hoax, albeit deliberately planted with malicious intent.”

The statement added: “Greater Manchester Police regard this incident as very serious and will do everything possible to find those responsible.”