Manchester United game abandoned over security alert

The game “has been abandoned, fans are leaving the ground. Please avoid the area if possible,” Manchester police said on their Twitter account.

Tens of thousands of fans were ordered from the 75,600 capacity stadium when the alert was sounded about about 20 minutes before the scheduled kickoff.

United confirmed that a suspicious package had been found and sent out a tweet saying the match had been “ABANDONED”.

Due to the discovery of a suspect package in the NW Quadrant of the ground, the match has been abandoned today on police advice. #mufc

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 15, 2016

Announcements were made on the public address system that security staff should invoke “operation red code”. Half of the stands at Old Trafford were evacuated and United later confirmed that a suspicious package had been discovered in the Stretford End stand.

Kick-off is delayed at Old Trafford after a suspect package was found in the North West Quadrant. Police are inspecting, more to follow. — Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 15, 2016

Public address announcements instructed supporters in the South and East Stands — including the travelling contingent of Bournemouth fans — to remain in their seats before the game was called off.

It is the second time in less than a week that Manchester United have been involved in a security alert.

Their game at West Ham United on Monday was delayed after their team bus was attacked by fans.