Bury Road closed - man trying to harm himself

Bury Road closed to traffic in both directions from the junction with Roch Valley Way/Sandy Lane

Bury Road is closed to traffic in both directions from the junction with Roch Valley Way/Sandy Lane to the junction at War Office Road.

Shortly after 12pm on Thursday 4 September 2008, police were called to a house on Midge Hall Drive following a report of a man threatening to harm himself, and cause damage.

Officers are at the scene, where the man has locked himself in the house. Trained negotiators are at the scene and speaking to the man.

The fire and ambulance services remain on standby and some nearby residents are being evacuated from their homes as a precaution.

The scene has been cordoned off and Bury Road from War Office Road towards Rochdale and from Broadhalgh Road towards Bury have all been closed to traffic for safety.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible. Reports are that traffic on Roch Valley Way (both directions) and Sandy Lane is particularly bad following this closure.

Inquiries are ongoing.

------------------------------

Update: 6pm

A man has been arrested after police responded to reports of a man threatening to harm himself and cause damage in his Rochdale home.

Just before 5.00pm a man in his early 50s left the house and was detained by police officers on suspicion of threats to cause damage. He remains in custody.

Officers, with support from the Fire Service, are searching the property and a police cordon will remain in place until officers are sure it is safe.

Most of the roads around the scene have now been reopened.