Manchester Airport Terminal Two has been evacuated after a suspicious bag was found

Manchester Airport Terminal Two has been evacuated after a suspicious bag was found unattended.

A bomb squad rushed to the scene to conduct a controlled explosion while passengers were left stuck on planes while the evacuation took place.

Police said it was a precautionary measure and not connected to the bombing of the Manchester Arena which killed 22 almost three weeks ago.

Passenger Chris Hawkins wrote on Twitter: 'Whole place evacuated. Police & fire arriving from all directions. Hundreds of people all over area.'

Twitter user Karl Kerman was sitting on a plane on a runway, unable to enter the airport.

He said: 'Stuck on plane at Manchester airport for security reasons anyone know why? #manchester'

A Manchester Airport spokesman said: 'Due to an unattended bag being found in Terminal Two, a controlled evacuation is currently taking place, as is standard procedure.

'As always, the safety of all of our passengers is of paramount importance and we will provide an update on the situation as soon as possible.'

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: 'Shortly after 2.45pm police were called to terminal two at Manchester Airport to reports of an unattended bag.

'A precautionary evacuation has been conducted. Bomb disposal officers are in attendance and enquiries are ongoing.'