Controlled explosion carried out in Rochdale after police find 'suspicious' item

St Mary’s Gate is closed from the junction with Newgate and College Road

A controlled explosion has been carried out in Rochdale this morning (Thursday 21 April) after police discovered a ‘suspicious item’.

At around 3.10am police received a 'report of suspicious circumstances' on Dane Street, Rochdale.

Officers attended and discovered a suspicious item. During the initial response, officers were confronted by a man with a weapon. A 17-year-old male was safely detained.

As a precaution, a cordon is in place and specialist officers are in attendance.

Several roads are closed on and around Dane Street following an incident in the early hours. St Mary’s Gate has been closed in both directions at the junction with Dane Street and The Esplanade.

Members of the public are being asked to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for the police said: “Enquiries are ongoing and we want to thank the community for their patience.”

⛔ Travelling in Rochdale Town Centre this morning?

⚠️🚓 Road closures are in place due to a police-led incident

❌ Manchester Road / Drake St
❌ St. Mary's Gate / College Road
❌ The Esplanade / Manchester Road / Dane St

🔀 Closures likely for the next hour #TfGMTraffic pic.twitter.com/J3gsPOhc07

— Transport for Greater Manchester 🚲🚶🏾‍♀️ (@OfficialTfGM) April 21, 2022