Residents in Bury were evacuated from their homes overnight after a 'hand grenade' was discovered.
Police were scrambled to the scene on Randale Drive after the 'item of concern' was found by a member of the public. A cordon was put in place 'as a precaution', police said, and residents had to leave their homes.
In a post on social media just after midnight, Greater Manchester Police said bomb disposal experts were at the scene assessing the potential hand grenade. It would then be removed from the area.
Members of the public were urged to avoid the area as investigations were carried out. Residents evacuated from their homes were being supported by the local council, police said.
No further update has been provided by police at this stage. It has not yet been confirmed whether the cordon has been lifted, or whether the item was believed to be suspicious.
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.
"Whilst 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 can contact police via 0161 856 8154 or gmp.police.uk quoting 3303 30/09/33. Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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