Teenager charged after Rochdale bomb scare

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

A teenager has been charged after officers were called to a report of a suspicious item in Rochdale last week.

At around 3.10am on Thursday 21 April 2022, officers were called to the item on Dane Street, Rochdale.

Officers attended and found a suspected suspicious item which lead to a number of road closures and bomb disposal experts attending to examine the item as a precaution.

A controlled explosion was carried out and the item was confirmed as not viable or suspicious.

The incident saw St Mary's Gate at the junction of Dane Street and The Esplanade in Rochdale town centre closed to traffic in both directions during the morning rush hour, causing chaos for drivers.
 

Read more: Controlled explosion carried out in Rochdale after police find 'suspicious' itemPublished: 21 April 2022

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of possession of a knife in a public place and a placing an article with the intention of inducing a person to believe that it is likely to explode or ignite.

Police say there is nothing to suggest ideological, religious or political motivation at this time.

The 17-year-old appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (23 April 2022) and was remanded until his next appearance today (26 April 2022) at Manchester Youth Court.

Officers would like to thank the community for their patience on the morning of the incident due to the number of road closures as enquiries were carried out.