This is the moment the bomb squad carried out a controlled explosion on a suspicious item found in Salford. Police say it's not yet been confirmed what the device was, but explosive experts 'deemed it to be viable'.
Firearms were also recovered and taken away for forensic examination after armed police searched Kersal Moor on Friday. Several homes were evacuated after police cordoned off a footpath near Heathland Road.
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Speaking earlier one resident described the scene as 'madness' while another told how they had been asked to leave their home by police in the afternoon. They said: "I've been told to leave my house because I'm in the zone".
Earlier today armed police were pictured scouring the moor as part of a 'wider operation'. Residents said police had been in the area for a number of days.
Officers remain at the scene tonight. A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said residents would be allowed back in their homes 'as soon as possible'.
They added: "Specialists have conducted a controlled explosion after a suspicious item was found during an isolated and contained search operation in Kersal Moor. It has not yet been confirmed what the item was but explosive ordnance disposal carried out an assessment of it and deemed it to be viable.
"A number of other items – including firearms – were also recovered and have been taken away for forensic examination. We continue to work at the scene to ensure those earlier evacuated from nearby properties will be allowed to return back to their homes as soon as possible.
"We thank the community for their continued cooperation during today’s operation."
