SHOPPERS were evacuated from a Sainsbury's and TK Maxx in Manchester today as cops probed a "suspicious item".

       Officers sealed off the stores in Union Street, Oldham, this afternoon after the unknown item was reported.

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       Shoppers were evacuated from Sainsbury's and TK Maxx this afternoon Credit: MEN Media

       Cops were stationed outside the Sainsbury's and several police cars were pictured in the car park, the Manchester Evening News reports.

       Greater Manchester Police (GMP) wrote on Twitter: "As a precaution we have evacuated TK Maxx in the town centre after a report of a suspicious item.

       "A cordon is in place and we have specialist resources at the scene to make an assessment of the item.

       "We will provide an update as soon as possible but advise people to stay away from the area for now."

       The force later confirmed the item was no longer deemed suspicious.

       A GMP spokesperson said in an update: "Our specialist resources have assessed the item and it's no longer deemed to be suspicious.

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       "There's no risk to the public in relation to this incident and the cordon's been removed.

       "Thank you for your patience and co-operation this afternoon as we dealt with this."

       It comes after the UK's terror threat level was raised to severe, meaning an attack on British soil is "highly likely".

       The Home Secretary confirmed the new threat level following the bomb explosion in Liverpool on Remembrance Sunday.

       The UK's terror threat level had been "substantial" since February 2021.

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       Officers were seen guarding the stores following reports of a suspicious item Credit: MEN Media 3

       It was later confirmed the item was no longer deemed suspicious Credit: MEN Media

       Liverpool bomb: Another terror attack ‘highly likely’ as threat level raised to SEVERE