LIVE: Homes evacuated over 'suspicious item' with bomb squad at scene and cordon in place

A number of homes have been evacuated on an estate in Salford tonight - Tuesday - after the discovery of a 'suspicious item' at a house, police have revealed.

Emergency services - including a bomb disposal team - were scrambled to Cassidy Way, near Monton in Eccles, earlier this afternoon.

Police said in an update on social media that a cordon has been established and 'some nearby residents are being asked to leave their properties'.

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What exactly the item is hasn't been disclosed. An Explosive Ordinance Disposal team is currently at the scene assessing the item, police added.

It's not known how many homes have been evacuated as yet.

The estate is believed to be a new-build and runs off Green Lane, which runs beside the Bridgewater Canal.

In a social media post, Greater Manchester Police said: "We are currently responding to reports of a suspicion item at an address in Eccles.

"At around 4.10pm today, we received reports of a suspicious item at an address on Cassidy Way, Eccles.

"As a precautionary measure and to ensure the safety of the community, a cordon has been put in place, with some nearby residents being asked to leave their properties.

"EOD are currently at the scene and assessing the item."

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for comment. It's understood specialist fire service units were sent to the scene earlier. No further details have been revealed.

We'll be updating our live blog below with all the latest information as we get it:

The M.E.N. understands a controlled explosion has been carried out by a bomb disposal team at the scene.

The fire service is now believed to be