Body of man found in home before bomb squad were scrambled over discovery of 'replica guns'

The body of a man was found in a home in Rochdale last night - with bomb disposal experts then scrambled to the scene after 'replica guns' were found.

Police were first called to Ashfield Road yesterday afternoon (Thursday) following reports of concern for a person's welfare at a property. The Manchester Evening News understands that tragically, a man was found dead inside his home by a family member.

After officers arrived on the scene, as is routine procedure, they discovered a number of what appeared to be Second World War-era weapons inside the property. The Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit was called and a number of houses on the street were evacuated 'as a precaution'.

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The items found were later identified as replica guns, the M.E.N understands. No further details on the man who was found have been released at this stage.

Last night, neighbours described their shock as the street was evacuated. One woman said: "They said to me, ’go for your own safety’. It was chaos."

Another neighbour had left her home to pick up her sister. When she returned, her house had been surrounded by police, with her parents still inside - and unable to leave due to the cordon.

“It was scary and a shock,” she said. Her sister added: “We couldn’t get anywhere and no one was telling us anything. We were just stranded.”

Another resident discovered the news when her son called her at work. She was told the street was being evacuated and the 'bomb squad' was there.

The woman left work immediately, fearing for her 15-year-old granddaughter, who was inside the house. “I was scared," she said.

"When my son rang me, she would have just come back from school. I