BREAKING: Main road shut with huge cordon in place and 'nursery evacuated' after suspicious items found
A main road in Bolton has been closed off this morning as police respond to reports of a 'suspect package'.
A stretch of Blackburn Road in the Sharples area is currently shut. It is closed between Holden Avenue and Stonyhurst Avenue.
Police said officers are responding to reports of suspicious items being found in the area. A cordon is in place and there are reports a nursery has been evacuated.
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A force spokesman said: "Greater Manchester Police were called at around 8am today (Wednesday 22 March 2023) to Sweetloves Lane in Bolton to reports of suspicious items being found.
"Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) are currently assessing the items. A current 100m cordon is in place to ensure the safety of the public.
"There is believed to be no wider risk to the community." Traffic is currently being diverted away from the area in both directions.
We will bring the latest updates on this incident in our live blog below as we get them.
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In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said:
"Greater Manchester Police were called at around 8am today (Wednesday 22 March 2023) to Sweetloves Lane in Bolton to reports of suspicious items being found.
"Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) are currently assessing the items. A current 100m cordon is in place to ensure the safety of the public.
"There is believed to be no wider risk to the community."
There are reports that a nursery near to the road closure has been evacuated.
In a message to parents, the nursery said all children were safe.