Suspicious chemicals were found after police executed a warrant in the Wigan area.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that at around 8.20am on February 26, officers executed a warrant at an address on Vulcan Road, Wigan as part of an ongoing investigation.
During a search of the property officers located a "suspicious item" and "suspicious chemicals".
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Officers from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service are also currently carrying out an assessment of the chemicals.
EOD are also due to attend the scene to carry out an assessment.
Three men, aged between 20 and 25, have been arrested on suspicion of an offence under section 4 of the Explosives Act and remain in custody for questioning.
Superintended Mark Kenny of GMP's Wigan district said: "Following the discovery of these items this morning we swiftly moved to ensure those within the vicinity are kept safe and a small evacuation of nearby properties is currently underway.
"I fully understand the concern this will cause for the local community but I would like to stress that at this stage we don't need believe there to be any wider threat to the public.
"We are in close liaison with officers from GMFRS whilst they carry out the appropriate assessments and this evacuation has purely been carried out as a precaution.
"We have three men in custody for questioning and detectives are currently carrying out all available lines of enquiry. I would urge anyone with information to contact police on 0161 856 7094 or Live Chat quoting incident 907 of 26/02/22."
Enquiries are ongoing.
Information can also be submitted via our LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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