POLICE believe they have found the getaway car used by the terrorists who planted the massive bomb that devastated Manchester.

The red Ford Granada was found last Wednesday in the centre of Preston, in the same spot where it was left after the blast more than three weeks earlier.

Forensic scientists are now examining the car, which detectives said appeared to be the one that picked up the two bombers shortly after they left the one-and-a-half ton truck bomb in Corporation Street, Manchester, on Saturday June 15.

Police found the car after an appeal was made last Wednesday. It was parked in Mount Street, Preston, at its junction with Garden Street.

Detectives said the Granada had been sold three months ago by its previous owner in London to a man with an Irish accent.

A police spokesman said: "It would appear the vehicle has been used by the persons responsible for planning this terrorist act."

Greater Manchester Police said the car - registration C685 GVW - was first seen at its parking place in Preston at 11.28am, only minutes after the blast. They are now appealing for anyone who may have seen the car in London, Preston, Manchester or Peterborough - where the Ford Cargo truck used to ferry the bomb was bought - to come forward.

The two hooded terrorists who planted the bomb were seen getting into the Granada in Cathedral Street, Manchester, at around 10.15am. Another man was already at the wheel of the car.

Police also want sightings of the car on its journey from Manchester to Preston.

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