Bomb squad called to Ashton retail park
Suspicious package found
Officers are responding to reports of a suspicious item at Ashton Retail Park.
At around 11am police were called to reports that a suspicious item had been found at the Barnardos shop.
Bomb disposal officers are on their way to the scene.
Inspector Paul Smith of GMP’s Tameside Borough, said: “A number of shops in the area have been evacuated as we respond to this report and our colleagues from the bomb disposal unit are on their way as a precaution.
“We do not believe that there is any risk to people or businesses in the area at this time but I must stress we take each report of this nature with the upmost severity and respond immediately to ensure no-one comes to any harm.
“This is believed to be an isolated incident and is not connected to anything terror related and we are not expecting any controlled explosions.
“I understand that our response to this could cause some concern to people but their safety is our number one priority and we will do everything in our power to protect them.”
Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference number 714 of 28/06/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.