LIVE: Police tape off Greater Manchester church with forensic tent at scene - updates

Emergency services have been sent out to a church in Salford. Police have taped off the Church of St John the Baptist, on Vicarage Road, in Irlam this afternoon (December 30).

A forensic tent is in place at the scene. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a large police presence on the church grounds at around 12.15pm.

An ambulance was also seen in attendance. A cordon remains in place following the incident. People are being urged to stay away from the scene.

Images show police surrounding the church this afternoon. Three police cars have been seen in attendance outside the church grounds.

Uniformed officers and plain clothes detectives are working at the scene. Further details about the nature of the incident are yet to be confirmed.

A reporter is at the scene. Updates will be posted in this blog as soon as they are available. Greater Manchester Police has been approached for comment.

This is a live event. Follow the latest updates below.

Locals reported seeing police arrive at the scene in the church yard at around 10am this morning

Residents are shocked to find a police scene in an otherwise quiet area

Our reporter Greta is chatting to locals this morning at the scene

A forensic tent is in place outside the church door.

The tent is right outside the church door and the cordon extends over most of the church green. Photos seen by the MEN and taken by a member of the public show emergency services working there around 12pm today @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/rQcwj9wGDR

Several officers are in attendance, including detectives.

GMP has been approached for comment.

There are three police cars, uniformed officers and what appears to be plain clothes detectives working within the scene @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/GonPLCWrOf

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