Police storm homes in 'targeted raids' across Greater Manchester borough with lethal weapon seized

A suspected gun has been seized in an early morning police raid at a home in Rochdale.

Officers burst into the property this morning (Thursday) and found the suspected handgun inside. The firearm was seized.

The raid was one of several carried out today as part of Operation AVRO, a Greater Manchester Police forcewide initiative where a particular area of the region is flooded with police resources each month. Pictures taken this morning showed Tactical Aid Unit officers forcing their way into a number of addresses in a series of 'targeted raids'.

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Police said 'several arrests' had been made so far this morning, with more expected to come throughout the day. Speaking from Heywood on Operation Avro, Assistant Chief Constable Wasim Chaudhry said: "Today, I'm in the Rochdale area with colleagues from across the force and we're working on Operation Avro.

"Operation Avro is a pro-active operation that brings together police resources from across Greater Manchester working in conjunction with partner agencies, and responding to intelligence from policing, our partners and also from the community as well. This morning, we've started in earnest and we're here proactively in the Heywood area responding to information and intelligence relating to drugs misuse.

"We've already been several arrests throughout this morning and that will continue throughout the rest of the day."

He added: "Throughout today, Rochdale will be a safer place thanks for Operation Avro."

Chief Superintendent Danny Inglis, District Commander for Rochdale, said earlier this morning: "By the time you see this, Operation Avro will be in full swing. This is going to consist of a