Counter terror police have taken over an investigation after suspicious items were seized.
Cheshire Police were called to Hale Road, near the junction of Lovel Terrace in Widnes at around 7pm on Friday, December 30. Officers received a call from the North West Ambulance Service reporting a number of suspicious items were found at an address on the road.
Paramedics were at the address responding to a call for help when they noticed the items. Cheshire Police arrived a short time later and put a cordon in place.
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Eyewitnesses reported seeing armed police at the scene and at least six vehicles. Officers evacuated a number of properties in the area as a precaution.
An eyewitness told The ECHO the cordon was extended around one hour after police arrived at the scene. Now, Greater Manchester Police's Counter Terrorism Policing North West unit has taken over the investigation.
They confirmed three men were arrested – one aged 34, and two aged 28 - and, following questioning, were bailed pending further enquiries.
A spokesperson from the counter terror unit said: "Counter Terrorism Policing North West has taken over the investigation in to the incident on Hale Road in Widnes on Friday 30 December 2022. Officers from Cheshire Police were called to the property on Hale Road on Friday 30 December, after colleagues from North West Ambulance Service noticed a number of suspicious items at the address while they were responding to a call for help.
"Three men were arrested – one aged 34, and two aged 28 - and, following questioning, were bailed pending further enquiries. The items were seized and have been carefully examined. The investigation is ongoing."
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