LIVE Tower block evacuated and 'avoid area' warning issued as bomb squad called to scene - latest updates

Apartments in a tower block and houses have been evacuated with an 'avoid the area' warning in place in north Manchester this evening (Wednesday, March 19).

Police have been called to the scene at the Somerton Court apartment building, on Broadmoss Drive near Blackley. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Units are also in attendance.

A number of people have been evacuated from their homes with police urging people to 'avoid the area' while emergency crews respond.

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Further details about the incident have not yet been confirmed. Greater Manchester Police officers remain in attendance along with the explosives specialists.

This is a live blog, we will bring you updates below.

The entire Somerton Court building has now been evacuated, the M.E.N has been told.

Police are putting a scene in place with fire crews now also in attendance.

Fire crews have now arrived on the scene, along with several more police vehicles.

Members of the public are still advised to avoid the area arounf Somerton Court.

As a precatuion, Greater Manchester Police say seeveral properties close to the discovery remain evacuated.

The whole building has not been evacuated by police following the discovery.

According to eyewitnesses, there are several police vehicles in attendance. But residents can be seen in the upper floors of the tower.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Emergency services are currently responding to an ongoing incident on Broadmoss Drive in Blackley. A cordon is in place while enquiries are ongoing.

"Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) have been tasked to attend the scene and inspect the property. As a precaution, several houses in the area have been asked to