Evacuated residents hear bang from 'controlled explosion' after 'hand grenade' found

Residents in Bury who were evacuated from their homes after a suspected hand grenade was found have described hearing a loud bang from a 'controlled explosion'.

The locals had to leave their homes on Randale Drive after the 'item of concern' was found by a member of the public last night (Thursday). Bomb disposal experts, police officers and firefighters were scrambled to the scene.

Police said a cordon was put in place 'as a precaution' as the item was assessed in the early hours of this morning. Residents, who took shelter at the nearby Sir Robert Peel pub, said they were told that a controlled explosion was carried out nearby.

READ MORE:Woman arrested on suspicion of assault after 'critically ill' baby girl rushed to hospital from nursery

They described hearing a 'loud bang' at around 3.50am. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, one resident said: "We were evacuated from our homes at around 10.30.

"We were told to make our way to the Sir Robert Peel. The landlady and staff were amazing, provided us with tea, coffee , games and shelter.

"The council were onsite and kept us updated about the situation, we were allowed back home at 3.30am. The bomb squad carried out a controlled explosion of the hand grenade at around 3.50am."

Another said: "The emergency services were very impressive. I was just watching all Creatures Great and Small actually and we saw a blue light and you think it’ll be gone in a second but more and more kept coming.

“We were grateful [for the pub] because it was very cold. At least we got to see people. We’ve not had as much fun since we clapped on a Wednesday!

"I believe the bomb disposal people took the device past the library to that field down there. It was quite loud."

A dog walker