Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion outside a Jobcentre on Saturday after a suspicious package was discovered.
Emergency services were called to Wellington Street in Stockport at around 2.20pm on Saturday, July 8, establishing a 100m cordon around the site. The Manchester Evening News reports that the package was successfully destroyed.
Police have launched an investigation following the disturbance, which was also attended by paramedics and fire crews as a precaution. Witnesses say they heard a "loud bang" as the controlled blast was carried out.
Dave Seton said: "When I got to Stockport, Wellington Road was only cornered off. But whilst in Subway, the bomb disposal turned up and police closed Wellington Road.
"Then, around five to 10 mins later, there was a loud bang. Not enough to shake any glass, but it was loud enough to echo around the buildings."
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue service confirmed fire crews were called to a Jobcentre on Wellington Street. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said that bomb disposal officers carried out a controlled explosion and an investigation is now underway.
In a statement, a spokesman for GMP added: "At around 12:00pm today (08/07/2023), police were called to a report of a suspicious package at a premises on Wellington Street in Stockport. Bomb disposal officers carried out a controlled explosion and a 100m cordon is in place as investigations are ongoing."
A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: “Heron House Jobcentre remains closed today after a suspicious package was found outside the building. Police were called and all customers and staff were evacuated according to safety procedures.
“We are contacting affected customers to rearrange their appointments.”
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