The bomb squad has been scrambled to an industrial estate in Rochdale after a 'suspicious object' was discovered.
It has 'not been deemed to be a viable device', police said.
Witnesses said two suitcases were dumped in a skip on land just off Schofield Street on Thursday morning.
Police rushed to the scene following a call at around 11.30am.
Fire crews and bomb disposal officers have launched a 'joint assessment', police said.
A member of the public, who asked not to be named, earlier said: "There is police activity.
"Two suitcases have been found. They were thrown into a skip.
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"Fire engines are there now."
The Manchester Evening News has seen images of the suitcases understood to be the focus of the investigation.
A GMP spokesman said: "A scene remains in place in Littleborough following the discovery of a suspicious object.
Police were contacted shortly before 11.30am on Thursday 24 October 2019 after the discovery of the object off Schofield Street.
Bomb disposal officers are making a joint assessment of the object alongside GMFRS.
"The object has not been deemed to be a viable device.
"No road closures are in place."
