Passenger describes 'shocking' moment armed police burst onto train in dramatic evacuation of Manchester Victoria

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A passenger has described the dramatic moment '20 to 30' armed police stormed his train in the hunt for two men believed to be carrying weapons at Manchester Victoria.

Police were called to the busy city centre station at 9:14am following reports of two men carrying weapons on a train. The Manchester Evening News understands the affected train was a TransPennine Express service from Liverpool Lime Street to Leeds.

Armed officers raided the train in a 'tense' encounter, 'shouting' at passengers to remove headphones as they searched - while more officers carrying guns and shields surrounded the train on the platform.

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The passenger, who wished to remain anonymous, said the train pulled into Manchester Victoria 'as normal' - but he quickly knew something was wrong as he spied three armed officers on the platform with 'guns trained in front of them'.

"That initial shock was there," he told the M.E.N. "Then as I looked around, mirroring them on the platform were another group of four with the bulletproof shield and weapons out."

He said the officers 'shouted' at passengers to remove all earphones and remain seated, while checking on and under every seat. The passenger estimated there were 'between 20 and 30' armed officers present as the train was searched.

"The toilet was occupied and they demanded it be opened," he said, in what was described as a 'tense' moment on the train as travellers and police waited for the door to open. However, the toilet was occupied by a member of rail staff, and the search continued.

"As quick as they [police] came through the carriage another group came behind them," he said. "The station was cleared