Residents were evacuated from their homes after a hand grenade was reported to have been found on a street.

At around midnight last night Thursday, Greater Manchester Police said they responded to an "item of concern" that they believe to have been a hand grenade.

It was discovered by a member of the public on Randale Drive in Sunny Bank near Whitefield.

The bomb squad was scrambled and a cordon was put in place as a precaution.

On social media, a Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “We are currently responding to a report that an item of concern, which may be a hand grenade, has been discovered by a member of the public on Randale Drive, Bury.

“A cordon has been put in place as a precaution, with a number of properties evacuated and members of the public asked to avoid the area as a precaution.

“Specialist disposal officers are at the scene to make an assessment of the item and remove it from the area.”

It is currently unknown what the item which was found is dangerous.

Superintendent Mark Kenny added: "We understand this incident will have caused some concern in the community, with properties being evacuated.

"Residents of those properties are being supported by the local authority.

"While specialist colleagues assess the object, extensive enquiries are underway to establish who placed it in the area and why - ensuring we are doing everything we can to keep people safe.

“Though we are following a number of lines of enquiry, I would ask anyone with information which may assist our investigation to share it with us directly or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

A GMFRS spokesperson said, “At approximately 9.45pm on Thursday, September 29, firefighters were called to an incident involving an unexploded grenade on Randale Drive in Bury.

“Two fire engines from Bury and Whitefield fire stations quickly attended the scene.

Firefighters worked with Greater Manchester Police to enforce a cordon around the area and evacuated homes within 100m of the device.

“With the help of the specialist bomb disposal unit, the device was removed from the street and a controlled explosion was successfully carried out.

"Residents returned safely to their homes and firefighters left the scene at around 4am on Friday morning.” 

Anyone with information should contact us via 0161 856 8154 or gmp.police.uk quoting reference number 3,303 of September 30.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.