Man arrested in Halliwell on suspicion of 'potential explosive material' offences

Police say a 35-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of offences in relation to potential explosive material.

Officers were called to a house in Bardon Close just after 1pm yesterday, with worried neighbours saying there has been police activity throughout the night and into today.

A police raid is currently being carried out at the house, with the officers from the tactical aid unit searching rooms and the garden.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated harassment.

"Upon entering the address, officers discovered a number of suspicious items.

"The man was further arrested on suspicion of offences in relation to potential explosive material.

"A cordon is in place whilst the investigation continues.

"Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 5623 quoting incident number 1647 of 31/07/21.

"Reports can also be made anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

Officers arrived at the property in two tactical aid vans this morning to search the property.

(Investigations after man arrested)

Neighbours said they saw a man led out of the property in handcuffs.

They said the fire service had also been called to the property.

Members of the emergency services were seen entering the property with chemical suits on before leaving at around 3.30am.

This morning a police car was parked outside the property as the police searched the house and grounds.

One local told The Bolton News: "The fire service came with a specialist unit, we looked it up and it was a DIM (Detection, identification and monitoring) unit and an inflatable tent was put up.

"We saw one person handcuffed and led away."

It is understood that a man lives there and residents say police have been called a number of times to the address previously.

"It is just horrible, it is worrying," said the resident.