A huge blast echoed across Rochdale town centre this morning as the bomb squad carried out a controlled explosion on a 'suspicious device'.
A heavy emergency services response was sparked after the item was discovered at around 3am. A large cordon was put in place across a number of main roads as bomb disposal experts and police officers were scrambled to the scene.
Police said when they first arrived, officers were 'confronted' by a man with a weapon. A 17-year-old male was detained.
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He has since been arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a bladed article and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear. He remains in custody to be quizzed by detectives.
Pictures taken at the scene showed a robot focusing on an item near a bus stop on Manchester Road. A forensic officer has also been spotted taking pictures of a knife on the road, which is surrounded by evidence markers.
Bomb experts carried out a controlled explosion on the 'suspected suspicious item' this morning. It has since been confirmed as being 'not viable', a spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed in an update.
Police officers have remained stationed at the cordon throughout the day. A cordon remains in place at the junction of Manchester Road, Dane Street, The Esplanade and St Mary's Gate.
Asda on Dane Street has been shut throughout the morning. Hopwood Hall College has also had to shut, though students remain on Easter break.
A GMP spokesperson said: "At around 3.10am on Thursday 21 April 2022, we received a report of suspicious circumstances on Dane Street, Rochdale. Officers attended and discovered a suspected suspicious item.
"As a precaution, a cordon was put in place and EOD attended and carried out a controlled explosion. The device has since been confirmed as not viable or suspicious.
"During the initial response, officers were confronted by a man with a weapon. A 17-year-old male was safely detained and arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a bladed article and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear. He remains in custody at this time. Enquiries are on-going."
