Two men arrested on suspicion of terrorism have been released by police who are treating the incident as "irresponsible behaviour".

Officers were called to Chapel Street, near Manchester city centre, around 2.30pm on Wednesday after reports of two men wearing balaclavas and "acting suspiciously", Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

A force spokesman said two men were then arrested nearby after a Range Rover was stopped on Deansgate in the city centre.

A replica police uniform, police baton and a utility belt were found in a car.

A precautionary cordon was initially placed around the car and police liaised with bomb disposal officers to identify the items, later found to present no danger to the public.

The two men were held in custody for questioning on suspicion of commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and enquiries are continuing.

On Thursday GMP said they had been released without charge.

Police said those arrested, men aged 57 and 22, both from Greater Manchester, were initially uncooperative at the scene and failed to provide a reasonable explanation for their behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable of GMP, Nick Bailey, said: "Currently, police are treating this as irresponsible behaviour that has quite rightly been reported as suspicious by members of the public.

"I would like to thank those people who provided the police information and would remind people to remain vigilant.

"Enquiries as to whether any non-terror-related criminal offences were committed remain ongoing."

Suspicious activity can be reported by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or report it online at act.campaign.gov.uk By Pat Hurst