GMP release statement regarding on-going incident in Reddish

Update at 7.30pm Friday June 2

The cordon has been removed and residents can now return to their homes safely.

Update at 5.45pm Friday June 2

Update from Stockport Council:

"Greater Manchester Police and partners continue efforts to safely remove and dispose of hazardous materials on Middleton Road, Reddish.

"The cordon remains in place this evening as GMP and partners continue to work tirelessly to ensure residents can return home once it is safe to do so.

"GMP extends its thanks to friends and families who have opened their doors to accommodate loved ones in these circumstances. We would ask that these arrangements remain in place at this time.

"Stockport Council are working with residents to make sure they are supported during the disruption.

"Members of the public should continue to avoid the area.

"A large police presence will remain in the area, if you have any questions or concerns, please do speak to them. They are there to help you.

"Further updates will be posted by GMP Heatons & Reddish as soon as they are made available."

Update at 4.15pm Friday June 2

Update from Stockport Council:

"We would like to thank all residents for their patience while the multi-agency operation in Middleton Road in Reddish takes place.

"Further to this, we would ask those residents who are currently displaced by the incident to stay at friends and family until they are given the all-clear by Greater Manchester Police that they can return to their homes.

"We are hoping this may be later this evening, but we are asking residents to make alternative arrangements for accommodation for tonight (Friday).

"Further updates will follow from GMP."

Update at 12.30pm Friday June 2

A further update has now been issued by Chief Supt John Webster, Stockport District Commander, regarding the ongoing incident in Reddish on the force's Heatons and Reddish Facebook page.

Update at 11am Friday June 2

Residents displaced by the on-going emergency services operation in Middleton Road, Reddish have been invited to head to Reddish Library (SK5 6UG) where the council has dedicated a space for those affected by the incident.

Refreshments will be made available.

Further updates will be posted on the Council’s social media channels.

Update at 7am Friday June 2

GMP and partner agencies worked throughout the night but efforts to recover the hazardous material and dispose of them safely are ongoing.

The cordon remains in place so displaced residents can not yet return to their homes and members of the public should continue to avoid the area.

Silver Commander Superintendent David Henthorne said: "Specialist colleagues are working as fast as they can to remove these hazardous materials from the area without endangering any property or any person but, unfortunately, this is taking some time and we cannot estimate how much longer that will be.

"This is obviously really frustrating for those who live within the cordon and we thank them for their cooperation and patience so far. Ourselves and our partner agencies are doing everything we can to get them back in their homes as soon as it is safe for us to do so."

Further updates will be posted by GMP Heatons & Reddish as soon as they are made available.

Update at 11.30pm on June 1

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) 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. A respite centre set up at Houldsworth Village for any residents needing accommodation has now been stood down.

Members of the public should still 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.

Silver Commander Chief Inspector Jamie Collins said: “We understand this news will have caused some concern in the community, not just amongst the residents who have unfortunately been displaced. Our highest priority is keeping people safe which is why we have put a cordon in place, evacuated properties and warned members of the public to avoid the area. This has understandably caused some disruption and, though we are not yet in a position to confirm when the area will return to normal, further updates will follow throughout the evening. I would like to use this opportunity to thank the community for their cooperation and patience.”