Bomb disposal officers have descended on a residential street in Greater Manchester, with emergency services also rushing to the scene.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers are currently in attendance on Middleton Road in north Reddish. A cordon is reportedly in place, with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also believed to have been called to the scene.
GMP confirmed an arrest has been made but further details haven't been released so far. It's not thought, however, that the alert has led to any evacuations in the surrounding area, the MEN reports.
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Images from the scene show a large white tent over the road on Middleton Road in north Reddish and according to witnesses, crime scene investigators are also on site.
In a statement on Facebook, GMP confirmed: "A man has been arrested and a number of residential properties have been evacuated, following the discovery of suspected hazardous materials in a house in Stockport.
"The discovery was made by police officers earlier today (Thursday 1 June 2023) during a search of the house on Middleton Road, Reddish in response to intelligence about the manufacture of illegal fireworks. No injuries have been reported.
"The 50-year-old suspect is currently in Greater Manchester Police custody, being held under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.
"A 100 metre cordon is currently in place.
"Residents who have been displaced by the evacuation have been relocated to the homes of family/ friends in the first instance. Those with no alternative accommodation are being directed, by Stockport Council, to Houldsworth Village, Broadstone Road. Further updates will follow but it is unlikely they will be able to return home this evening.
"Members of the public should avoid the area. A major incident has been declared whilst specially trained representatives from the relevant agencies conduct the timely and safe recovery of the hazardous materials."
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