Two men have been arrested on suspicion of firearm offences after armed police descended on the main road outside a GMP building.
At around 7pm this evening, April 28, officers carried out a "pre-planned operation" in Ashton-under-Lyne, which led to two men being apprehended.
Witnesses reported seeing a white pick-up vehicle stopped at the side of the road, with officers searching the vehicle whilst a man was detained.
Armed officer were spotted searching the male, before taking him into custody.
Officials confirmed the arrests were planned, and there was no wider threat to public safety.
A spokesperson for the force said: "This incident at the junction of Ashton Road and Moss Way was part of a pre-planned operation, that took place at around 7pm.
"Two males were arrested on suspicion of firearm offences."
This incident is believed to be unrelated to the nearby Nexus House, Greater Manchester Police's serious and organised crime HQ.
The building on Alexandria Drive is where GMP's Serious Crime Division, Economic Crime Unit, and Cold Case Unit are based.
It is also home to Operation Challenger, which works to dismantle organised crime gangs.
Traffic was unable to use part of Moss Way for a short period of time as officers cleared the area.
The scene has now been lifted.
