Stay indoors, urge police in bomb alert
ARMED OFFICERS SWOOP TO ARREST SUSPECT, AGED 31
ARMED police swooped on a quiet street after a man claimed to have an explosive device.
Bomb disposal experts were called to assess a suspicious package on Birch Lane, in Dukinfield, Tameside.
Neighbours were told to ‘stay indoors and keep away from windows’ and lock their doors.
Motorists were also asked to avoid the area.
Police were called to the road at 12.45pm yesterday over concerns for the welfare of a man, who was claiming to possess the device.
A large cordon was put in place on Birch Lane and Yew Tree Lane and bomb disposal officers called to the scene.
Police later arrested one man on suspicion of making a malicious communication.
One local trader said: “We were told to lock the door and we are not allowed to go out.
“They were searching the area.
“They stopped cars coming down the road.
“Police told us to lock the door and move away from the window.”
The cordon was lifted nearly four hours later after bomb disposal experts said that the device was ‘non-viable.’
A Greater Manchester Police statement said: “At around 12.45pm, officers were called to reports of concern for the welfare of man claiming to possess an explosive device at a property on Birch Lane, Dukinfield.
“Bomb disposal officers attended the scene and have now declared the device non-viable.
“A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of malicious communications.
“He remains in police custody for questioning.
Police also said a cordon was in place but had now been lifted.