Incident update - radioactive canister found in Rochdale

Police have closed down a cordon in Rochdale following examination of a suspicious package.

Shortly before 12.45pm on Thursday 13 March 2013, police were called to The Point Retail Park in Rochdale town centre following reports of a suspicious package being found.

The item is believed to be a canister containing a hazardous radioactive material which was reported stolen from Lancashire recently.

The canister has now been assessed and it has been declared safe. Specialist services have been arranged to remove the item.

A small cordon remains in place around the canister at The Point Retail Park while it is recovered.

Superintendent Chris Hankinson said: “This has caused some disruption this afternoon but we have to put the safety of the public first.

“Highly trained officers have assessed the canister and there aren’t any leaks or safety concerns.

“Enquiries are ongoing to trace anyone involved.”