Residents have shared their shock after being evacuated from their homes in the middle of the night following the discovery of a suspected hand grenade.

Late last night (Thursday, September 29), Greater Manchester Police responded to an "item of concern" on Randale Drive that they believe to have been a hand grenade.

The suspicious item was found by a member of the public.

Police, the fire service and a bomb disposal unit were called to the scene and a cordon was put in place as a precaution.

One resident said: “We were evacuated from our homes at approximately 10.30pm as a device was reportedly left outside a house on Randale Drive.

We were told to make our way to the Sir Robert Peel, the landlady and staff were amazing, provided us with tea, coffee, games and shelter.

“The council were onsite and kept us updated about the situation, we were allowed back home at 3.30am."

The resident, who did not want to be named, said a controlled explosion was carried out at around 3.50am.

Police are expected to provide more details about the incident today, Friday.

Another resident said they heard a loud bang at around 4am, thought to have been a controlled explosion.

The cordon has now been lifted on the road has been reopened.

Last night, Superintendent Mark Kenny said: "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.”

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.

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