UPDATE: |Armed cops swoop in Manchester city centre following reported kidnapping News

GMP said an adult was ‘found’ and is now being supported

Armed cops swooped to make a series of arrests in Manchester city centre following a reported kidnapping, the Manchester Evening News can reveal.

Greater Manchester Police said a victim – an adult – was ‘found’ and was now being supported by specialist officers. No sex or age has been revealed.

Three men all aged in their 30s were arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply, the force said. The drama unfolded on Friday evening (April 11).

In a statement issued on Saturday, GMP said all three remained in police custody for questioning and enquiries were continuing.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, armed police were pictured on the streets of the city centre early on Friday evening as part of the operation, about which brief details were confirmed today.

The dramatic images showed officers standing guard outside buildings in Castlefield.

A spokesperson for the force said on Friday night: “Armed officers are currently conducting enquiries on Bridgewater Street and the surrounding areas in the city centre. We do not believe there to be a risk to the wider public but you will likely see an increased police presence.”

Images from the scene showed plain clothes officers in tactical vests on the street outside buildings. Two armed plain clothes officers could been seen moving towards a building, with one holding what appeared to be a riot shield.

Officers were in place on Barton Street, off Liverpool Road near to the Cask pub. They were also seen on Southern Street.

In an updated statement on Saturday, GMP said: “Yesterday, Friday April 11, armed officers were in the city centre carrying out enquiries following a report of a kidnap. A victim was found and is currently being supported by our specially trained officers.

“Three men in their thirties were arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply. All remain in custody for questioning. Our investigation is ongoing.”

No further details have been revealed. The force has confirmed the victim was an adult. The victim is in hospital receiving treatment for non-life threatening injuries.