LIVE: Armed police called after suspected shooting near Stretford Mall - updates

Police have closed a number of roads surrounding Stretford Mall this afternoon with officers on the scene.

Witnesses have told the Manchester Evening News there is a large police presence in the area, including 'armed police'. Officers are at the entrance to Stretford Mall, with reports of traffic 'chaos' as all entrances to Edge Lane are blocked and buses diverted.

There are also reports that Chester Road has been closed, with both marked and unmarked police cars on the scene.

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The exact nature of any incident is not yet clear. Greater Manchester Police has been contacted for more information.

Traffic is now returning to normal in the area following large queues due to the closure of Edge Lane.

Video footage from the scene shows police presence on Edge Lane with heavy traffic.

Officers are lining the pavement and pedestrians are being asked to cross over to the other side, where Stretford tram stop is. Drivers are having to turn right down King's Road pic.twitter.com/ryPhER7Ysa

Edge Lane has now re-opened all police have left the scene

Officers now appear to be searching a section of Edge Lane.

Officers now appear to be searching the section of Edge Lane that is closed. They are walking down the road in a line shining their torches on the ground pic.twitter.com/V1uBlgtK8Z

Officers are standing guard near a housing estate nearby.

Officers are standing guard at the top of a set of stairs which leads down to a housing estate pic.twitter.com/JICVy6G4IB

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: At around 4.40pm today (Tuesday 26 March 2024), Greater Manchester Police responded to reports of suspected firearms discharged