Bomb disposal experts were called to examine a suspicious device found in a vehicle in Manchester, after armed police stopped the vehicle as part of an investigation into organised crime.
Greater Manchester Police cordoned off Oldham Road in Newton Heath and asked members of the public to avoid the area.
The force said: “This incident is not linked to any terrorist investigation and there is not believed to be any wider risk to the public.”
Three people were arrested after a “significant quantity” of drugs, a firearm and explosives were found in the van.
Two men, aged 51 and 54, and a 51-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to supply class B drugs and possession of explosives.
Officers remained at the scene as the vehicle was still being searched.
Superintendent Mark Dexter from the force’s specialist operations team said: “These arrests form part of a wider investigation into the supply of drugs and organised criminality in Manchester and we are incredibly pleased that the operation concluded safely. Thankfully no one was injured this evening, but when guns and explosives are involved the risks to officers and members of the public can be so great.”
He added: “The three suspects are now in custody and will be questioned by police in the coming hours.”
