Two men on a motorbike 'placed a hand grenade outside a house then fled the scene' in Bury, police believe.
Bomb disposal experts, police officers and firefighters were scrambled to Randale Drive last night (Thursday) after a member of the public found the 'item of concern'. Police have now confirmed that this item was a hand grenade.
Reports have since been made to officers that at around 9.26pm, two males pulled up on the street on a motorbike and placed the device in front of a house. They then left the scene, it is believed.
READ MORE: Evacuated residents hear bang from 'controlled explosion' after 'hand grenade' found
Thankfully, the device was not detonated and no-one was injured. A cordon was put in place last night and residents had to be evacuated from their homes as bomb disposal experts assessed the grenade.
Locals reported hearing a 'loud bang' as they heard a 'controlled explosion' being carried out. Police said patrols will now be stepped up in the area as an investigation is carried out.
Chief Superintendent Chris Hill, of GMPs Bury district, said: "I would firstly like to thank local residents for their co-operation and support while the cordon was in place last night. This incident will undoubtedly cause concern and worry in the local area but I’d like to reassure residents that we will have an increased police presence in the area while our investigation progresses.
"We are following up on a number of lines of enquiry this morning in an attempt to track down those responsible. It has been reported to us that at around 9.26pm last night, two unknown males were spotted pulling up on Randale Drive on a motorbike, before placing the device in front of a property on the street and leaving.
"Thankfully the device was not detonated and no one was injured. I’d like to appeal to anyone who may have any information at all, or anyone who may have CCTV or dashcam footage that we have not already seen, to please get in touch at your earliest opportunity."
Anyone with information should contact police via 0161 856 8154 or gmp.police.uk quoting log number 3303 of the 30th September 2022. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- Ofsted closes nursery after baby girl rushed to hospital in critical condition and woman arrested
- Greater Manchester braces for Hurricane Ian fallout as heavy rain set to hit
- Pub's hilarious sign to attract customers after busy road 'turns into pond'
- Mum who beat cancer NINE times hit with devastating diagnosis
- Messy Saturday night raving at lost Bolton nightclub unearthed on 90s TV show
