Rochdale police incident LIVE: Homes evacuated after 'rifles and grenades' found - updates

Streets are being evacuated in part of Rochdale after a collection of weapons were found at a property, the Manchester Evening News understands. Officers have cordoned off part of Ashfield Road and New Barn Lane this afternoon (February 15).

People are being urged to avoid the area by officers on the scene, according to eyewitnesses. The M.E.N. understands Second World War-era rifles and grenades have been found at a house.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Emergency services are currently responding to an ongoing incident on Ashfield Road in Rochdale. Responding to a concern for welfare at a property, officers discovered a large amount of suspicious items inside.

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"Emergency services remain on the scene and 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 evacuate while this work continues. People are being asked to avoid Ashfield Road and its surrounding areas."

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

Police are also in attendance on Osbourne Street.

There is also a cordon in place here on Osbourne Street which runs adjacent to Ashfield Road @MENnewsdesk pic.twitter.com/eehglcoKH2

An Ashfield Road resident has told the M.E.N. that she was told to evacuate this afternoon by police who said there was a 'potential threat'.

Some residents have been told not to leave their properties.

Residents have returned to their homes here this afternoon and been told they are not allowed to pass the police cordon. Some residents are reportedly trapped inside their homes and