Man charged after a suspect package was left outside office

A man has been charged after a suspect package was left outside a benefits office in Middleton.

William Harkin (born 30/04/1960) of Hopwood Road, Middleton has been charged with bomb hoax, placing an article with intent.

He appeared at Bury magistrates’ court on 17 June 2014 and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 8 July 2014.

Just before 5am on Monday 16 June 2014, police were called to the Benefits Office on Oldham Road, Middleton to reports a suspicious package had been left outside.

Officers attended and a number of cordons were put in place as a precaution while the validity of the package was established. An Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) was deployed to the scene and assessed the package, it was determined it was not a viable explosive device.

The package was recovered and there was no threat to any members of the public. 

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/87711/suspicious-package-left-outside-benefits-office