Homes were evacuated after a 'viable grenade' was found in a garden on a Manchester street.
Emergency services swarmed Norville Avenue in Moston following 'reports of a grenade found in a garden' of one of the homes. Police, fire crews and bomb disposal experts were pictured on the scene at around 10.30am yesterday (Thursday).
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said that a 'viable grenade' was found. Residents in nearby homes were evacuated and a cordon was put in place on the street.
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The grenade was later found to be a 'training device' which 'did not contain explosives or a detonator', the force spokesperson added. Residents were allowed back into their homes once the scene had been declared safe.
In a statement, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At approximately 10.30am yesterday, Thursday 2 February 2023, officers were called to an address on Norville Avenue in Manchester, to reports of a grenade found in a garden of one of the properties. Colleagues from GMFRS, NWAS and EOD also attended.
"It was determined that, although a viable grenade, it was in fact a training device and did not contain explosives or detonator. Surrounding properties were evacuated as a precaution and residents later returned to their homes, once the scene had been declared safe."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At 11am this morning, firefighters were called to reports of an unexploded grenade on Norville Avenue, Manchester.
“Two fire engines from Blackley and Chadderton fire stations arrived quickly at the scene. Fire crews supported colleagues at Greater Manchester Police, with a cordon was established and residents evacuated.
“Residents returned safely to their homes before firefighters left the scene. GMFRS were in attendance for an hour and a half."
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