Residents flee as bomb squad seals off street
AT LEAST THREE CONTROLLED BLASTS AFTER KNIFE SUSPECT IS ARRESTED
BOMB disposal experts carried out at least three controlled explosions after a ‘suspicious package’ was found at a property.
Dozens of people were evacuated from their homes on Worsley Road in Eccles, Salford, after police made the discovery.
A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife.
Bomb disposal officers removed the package from a block of flats. The nature of the contents has not been confirmed. Controlled explosions were carried out at a car park behind Worsley Road.
Video footage showed the moment the first explosion took place. A police officer can be heard saying ‘take cover,’ before a loud bang.
At least two more controlled explosions were later heard.
Officers at the scene said a 10-minute ‘cooling off’ period would take place before residents would be allowed back in their homes. They returned at around 7.30pm.
Police were called to a block of flats on Worsley Road yesterday morning to reports of a concern for the welfare of a man.
A large police cordon was in place throughout the day as police and bomb disposal officers investigated.
One resident told the M.E.N: “There was an incident at one of the flats at 11am this morning and a man was arrested.
“When he was taken away, officers went in and found items of concern.
“A fire officer came and had a look and then forensics went in with masks.
“Then all the doors were being knocked on at around 1.15pm when officers said they were evacuating.
“Now we have a cordon in place and bomb disposal are here.”
Worsley Road was closed from Woolden Street to the Lidl supermarket, according to traffic alerts.
Greater Manchester Police said they were not able to confirm the nature of the package, or the investigation at this stage.
In an earlier statement, they said: “Police attended a property on Worsley Road, Eccles, this morning following a report of concern for the welfare of a man. A man aged 35 has been arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife.
“Bomb disposal officers are due to make an assessment of a suspicious package found at the property.
“Road closures are in place while enquiries continue. Nearby buildings have been evacuated and a 100m cordon is in place.” disposal officers at the scene