LIVE: Street cordoned off and bomb squad called to scene amid ongoing incident - updates

A street has been cordoned off in Oldham this evening with a huge emergency response at the scene.

Police, fire crews and paramedics are in attendance amid an ongoing incident on Block Lane, near to Oxford Street, in the Chadderton area.

A full cordon is in place with multiple emergency services vehicles in attendance. Some residents have claimed their homes have been evacuated.

This is a live blog. Updates to follow below.

Our photographer Sean remains at the scene. Video footage shows the extent of the cordon, with a large emergency response still in attendance amid investigations into the 'suspicious item'.

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit has now arrived at the scene in Oldham.

The bomb assessment robot device has also been pictured and is thought to be used to assess the 'suspicious item' emergency crews were called to earlier this afternoon.

We will be bringing you the latest from the scene tonight.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they were called to reports of a 'suspicious item' at a property on Block Lane this afternoon.

In a statement, a spokesperson said:

Our officers are dealing with a suspicious item found inside an address on Block Lane, Chadderton - there is a cordon in place and people should avoid the area.

Other emergency services are also in attendance and the EOD are due to attend.

Explosives specialists have now arrived at the scene in Oldham this evening.

A Explosives Ordnance Disposal van has been pictured within the cordon, following reports of nearby residents being evacuated from their homes.

The number of locals affected by the ongoing incident has not yet been confirmed.

The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed two fire engines from Oldham and Chadderton