LIVE: Armed police descend on street and point guns at property - latest updates

Emergency services are on the scene of an incident in Heywood this evening (September 11).

Armed police are in attendance outside a property on Sutherland Road. A number of police vehicles have been pictured blocking the road due to the ongoing incident.

Witnesses have reported a 'stand-off', with officers appearing to be focusing on a house along the street. One onlooker said firearms were seen being pointed at the window of one of the homes.

Pictures from the scene show at least three police vehicles in attendance. Further details about the incident have not yet been confirmed.

Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for a full statement on the incident.

This is a breaking incident. Live updates to follow.

Neighbours here have told me they didn’t see what happened this afternoon, but that police presence on this street is “not unusual”. One woman said she doesn’t feel safe living here with her children. @MENnewsdesk

Tonight's police response was sparked by a man with a crossbow, the Manchester Evening News understands

Sutherland Road remains open this evening as officers stand outside the property. @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/FwC1ZMTHCJ

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have confirmed a man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of an offensive weapon after armed officers were scrambled to the scene earlier this evening.

In a statement they said

At around 5pm this afternoon (Wednesday 11 September 2024) we were called to reports of a man with a weapon on Sutherland Road in Heywood, Rochdale.

Armed Response Vehicle’s attended the scene, where a man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.

He remains in custody for questioning.

Local residents are watching on as three more