Suspect arrested and properties evacuated, as GMP and partner agencies recover hazardous materials

A man has been arrested and a number of residential properties have been evacuated, following the discovery of suspected hazardous materials in a house in Stockport.

The discovery was made by police officers earlier today (Thursday 1 June 2023) during a search of the house on Middleton Road, Reddish in response to intelligence about the manufacture of illegal fireworks. No injuries have been reported.

The 50-year-old suspect is currently in Greater Manchester Police custody, being held under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act.

A 100 metre cordon is currently in place.

Residents who have been displaced by the evacuation have been relocated to the homes of family/ friends in the first instance. Those with no alternative accommodation are being directed, by Stockport Council, to Houldsworth Village, Broadstone Road. Further updates will follow but it is unlikely they will be able to return home this evening.

Members of the public should avoid the area.

A major incident has been declared whilst specially trained representatives from the relevant agencies conduct the timely and safe recovery of the hazardous materials.  

Silver Commander Superintendent David Henthorne said: "Specialist colleagues are working as fast as they can to remove these hazardous materials from the area without endangering any property or any person but, unfortunately, this is taking some time and we cannot estimate how much longer that will be. This is obviously really frustrating for those who live within the cordon and we thank them for their cooperation and patience so far. Ourselves and our partner agencies are doing everything we can to get them back in their homes as soon as it is safe for us to do so."