POLICE swooped on a Farnworth housing estate after reports emerged that someone was trying to blow up a house.

The incident, which occurred around 7.30pm last night involved residents of houses in Violet Avenue and neighbouring Tulip Avenue.

One neighbour told The Bolton News: “There was a massive commotion involving up to 20 people who were shouting and screaming.

"I heard someone say a male was trying to blow their house up on Violet Avenue with a hand grenade and that the person in question was also known to carry a knife.”

“Another neighbour responded: "If he blows that house up, he will destroy mine."

"There was lots of shouting, screaming and arguing between people from those houses before police vans descended with blue lights flashing including a riot van.”

The neighbour who did not wish to be named because of fears of reprisal, added: “From what I gather police stopped a car leaving the estate and a male was hauled out of it before being taken away.”

Police said a 15-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion making threats with a smoke grenade.

They said shortly after 6pm last night they received reports that threats had been made to a teenage boy.

Now they are trying to locate what is thought to be a smoke grenade.

Chief Inspector John Charlton said:  “As our enquiries continue I want to reassure people that we are working closely with specialist teams to identify where the device is so we can ensure it’s in our possession as soon as possible.

“From what we know at present, threats were made online and while they didn’t lead to anybody being injured, we are still taking this extremely seriously.

“I cannot stress how important it is to take weapons off our streets, no matter what form they take, and we will absolutely not tolerate threats to use them.”

Anyone with any further information should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.