A FRIGHTENED couple described seeing flames “higher than the hedges” in their garden last night, after hearing an “almighty bang”.
It comes as police launched an investigation, following reports of an explosion on Longcauseway, Farnworth.
The explosion, police said, happened in an alleyway.
The couple said they were looking outside the window at a hedgehog, when they heard the bang, and saw flames.
Tony said: "We were the ones who actually saw it.
"I don't think anybody else saw it.
"Last night we were looking through the patio doors around 9:15 pm at a hedgehog.
"Then we heard an almighty bang in the back street.
"We couldn't see any smoke, but we saw flames higher than the hedges in our garden."
Doreen added: "My heart sank when I heard the noise.
"It was a really frightening time."
Other residents say they didn't hear anything last night, and said they were trying to find out more themselves.
Police on scene in Farnworth after explosion
The Tactical Aid Unit were on the scene gathering evidence with the Crime Scene Investigation team.
A cordon was in place around with a number of police officers on the scene.
Officers were called at about 10:10pm last night (1 May 2022) to, what they describe as “a small explosion”.
Police launch investigation following explosion
The Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) attended and made the device safe.
No arrests have been made and no-one was injured.
Enquiries are ongoing, with officers in Bolton appealing for information.
Detective Inspector Sarah Bell, of GMP's Bolton CID, said: "The EOD attended and made the device safe but confirmed it was a viable device.
"We are appealing for information, in particular can we ask that members of the public check CCTV and dashcam footage on Long Causeway, Farnworth and Moorhead Close."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5830 quoting incident 3194 of 01/05/2022.
Information can also be reported online or by using the LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk.
If you can't report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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