Rochdale streets shut off after suspicious item found as boy, 17, tries to attack police with weapon

A teenager was detained after trying to attack police with a weapon as a 'suspicious item' was found in Rochdale town centre.

A huge police response was scrambled to the scene on Dane Street at around 3.10am this morning (Thursday). Officers were alerted to a 'suspicious item'.

Police found the item and a large cordon has been put in place 'as a precaution'. Officers were 'confronted' by a man with a weapon at the scene, GMP said.

A 17-year-old male was then detained. Enquiries are ongoing.

Specialist officers remain at the scene this morning and several main roads remain taped off. There are closures on Manchester Road, Dane Street, The Esplanade and St Mary's Gate.

In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said: "At around 3.10am on Thursday 21 April 2022, we received a report of a suspicious item on Dane Street, Rochdale. Officers attended and discovered a suspicious item. As a precaution, a cordon is in place and specialist officers are in attendance. Members of the public are asked to avoid the area.

"During the initial response, officers were confronted by a man with a weapon. A 17-year-old male was safely detained. Enquiries are ongoing."

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