A major health alert has been issued after potentially 'hazardous substances' were found on a dead body on a street.
The warning has been released by Greater Manchester Police after the corpse was found in Wigan at 6.50pm on Thursday, November 24. Pictures from the scene show a police forensic tent at the side of the road, with a pair of black bags sitting nearby in the middle of the street.
Residents say they are "confined" to their homes while police investigate.
Wigan Police tweeted: "Police believe there are potentially hazardous substances on the body and anyone who has had direct contact with the body should speak to officers or seek medical advice immediately. The scene is contained, and it is believed there is no wider risk to the surrounding area.
"We will keep the public updated when we have more information."
One resident told the Manchester Evening News that neighbours have been told to stay in their homes today.
They added: "It was about 8 o'clock last night when we noticed the police here. Police told us they had a 999 call at about 6.50pm. Everyone is confined to their houses still, police want everybody to stay in. Things like this don't happen around here, police have been knocking on doors asking for CCTV.
"It's a quiet area and everyone who lives here is elderly. It's horrible. It's just the not knowing now, and knowing that it is someone's son or daughter."
Officers are working to identify the body and are looking to speak to anyone who has information about the incident.
The body was discovered at around 7pm on Thursday.
Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 7pm yesterday evening (Thursday 24 November 2022) officers were called to reports of a deceased body on Kilburn Drive, Shevington, Wigan. Emergency services attended and sadly confirmed these reports.
"A scene is currently in place at the location and contained on Kilburn Drive with no disruption to the wider area. Police are working to identify the body and enquiries are ongoing, we are keen to speak to anyone who has any information about this incident.
"Officers are out speaking to residents and are highly visible in the area."
Anyone with information can contact Greater Manchester Police by calling 101 quoting incident number 000910 of 25/11/2022.
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