Residents whose homes were evacuated after a 'substantial amount' of fireworks were found in a house in Stockport have been allowed to return to their properties after more than 24 hours. A number of controlled explosions have also been carried out in an 'isolated location' tonight (Friday).
Bomb disposal experts were scrambled to the scene on Middleton Road in Reddish yesterday following the discovery. Several homes were evacuated and a 100m cordon was put in place.
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A 50-year-old man arrested yesterday remains in police custody. He is being held under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.
Police have not disclosed the location where tonight's controlled explosions took place, but witnesses reported seeing bomb disposal vehicles and hearing loud bangs at Woodbank Park in Stockport at about 8pm. In a statement GMP said: "Specialists have carried out a series of safe, controlled explosions this evening in an isolated location.
"This activity relates to the safe disposal of the hazardous materials that were recovered from the property on Middleton Road in Reddish. It was a loud but safe disposal and residents should not be alarmed. The property on Middleton Road has now been made safe and the cordon has been lifted allowing residents to return safely.
"GMP would like to thank impacted residents for their patience and understanding throughout the response."
In a letter to residents whose homes were evacuated Chief Supt John Webster said: "Earlier this evening following the safe recovery of all hazardous materials those of you who had been displaced by the evacuation of your properties were informed you could return to your home and comforts. I would like to extend my thanks to the families and friends who so kindly provided the displaced residents with accommodation last night and throughout today.
"Over the weekend the presence of emergency services at the scene will gradually reduce but please do not be surprised that some vehicles and staff will remain. All hazardous materials have been safely recovered and, at the time of writing, are being disposed of in an isolated location.
"The remaining presemse of police officers and partner agencies is not indicative of danger - just an ongoing criminal investigation."
Residents whose homes were evacuated were offered refuge at Reddish Library. On Friday a number of neighbours popped in during the day to try get more information about the evacuation, with library staff told to keep doors open until 8pm.
Some families stayed for a little longer, while others made arrangements to stay with friends and family elsewhere. One man, who asked to remain anonymous, worked in the library for much of the day while preparing for an exam.
He described the situation that unfolded the night before as a 'shambles', with the chaos affecting him and other residents. He said: "There were police knocking on doors, and we had two different officers tell us two opposing things in the space of five minutes.
"There's been no real communication. Most of the stuff that we know has come from rumour and social media."
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