A ‘Suicide bomber’ detonated explosives in the Trafford Centre, Manchester, ‘killing and wounding’ dozens of people Explosions and gunfire could be heard in one of Britain’s second busiest shopping centre early this morning in one of the biggest counter terrorism training exercises. The SAS were also involved in the operation, which took place while the shopping centre was closed between midnight and 6am. The Independent reports: A mock suicide bomber acted out an explosion at Manchester’s Trafford Centre overnight as hundreds of people ran screaming and hid in shops and restaurants. Around 800 people were involved in the exercise, which started at midnight, when a man dressed in black walked in and shouted at the crowd. Moments later an explosion rocked the food hall and volunteers, wearing ear defenders and safety glasses, dropped to the floor. Many wore make-up to simulate serious injuries and others screamed out for help in The Orient food court as the sound of gunfire rang out. Armed officers then moved in, practicing tactics drawn up in the event of a Paris or Brussels-style attack. Police stressed that there was no specific threat to the Trafford Centre, which is the second-largest in the UK. Greater Manchester Police, [...]