Roads closed in Oldham following discovery of 'suspicious item'

Drake Street and surrounding roads have been closed

A number of roads in Oldham have been closed following reports of a suspicious item being found.

Greater Manchester Police were called this morning at around 11am to Drake Close in Coldhurst.

Bomb disposal experts from Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) are in attendance, along with police and Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue.

Police have placed a cordon around the area, and closed several streets around the area "to ensure the safety of the public".

Police are asking residents to avoid the area whilst the assessment continues.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police said: "Greater Manchester Police were called at around 11am today (Wednesday 22 March 2023) to Drake Close, Oldham, to reports of a suspicious item being found.

"Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) are currently assessing the scene with Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue also in attendance.

There is  cordon in place and several surrounding roads are closed to ensure the safety of the public, who are advised to avoid the area."

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