POLICE have confirmed that "suspicious items" at an address in Wigan do not pose any "immediate viable threat to the public".

At around 8.20am today (Saturday, February 26) officers executed a warrant at an address on Vulcan Road, Wigan as part of an ongoing investigation.

During a search of the property officers located what they described as "a suspicious item and suspicious chemicals".

A small evacuation of nearby properties took place.

Three men, aged between 20 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of an offence under section 4 of the Explosives Act. 

Officers have now confirmed that they have reduced their cordon and the majority of residents who have been evacuated are now able to return to their homes.

Those who have not been able to return are being support by Wigan Council.

A scene remains in place on one building on Vulcan Road and an investigation is continuing.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) attended the scene and the additional suspicious item found was not deemed to pose any immediate viable threat to the public.

The three men arrested earlier today remain in custody for questioning.

Superintendent Mark Kenny of GMP's Wigan district: "I want to extend me thanks and gratitude to the community, particularly those who had to be evacuated earlier today, for their patience and support as we have carried out our enquiries.

"I would also like to thank our partner agencies who have supported us through both the investigation and with the evacuation. Their assistance has been hugely instrumental in ensuring this happened as swiftly and with as minimal disruption as possible.

"Again, I should reiterate that we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the community and our investigation remains very much ongoing."