'There is a danger': GMP say 'substantial' hazardous materials found in house with residents evacuated for 24 hours in major incident

Police said a major incident was declared after a 'substantial amount' of fireworks were found in a house in Reddish.

Bomb disposal experts were scrambled to the scene on Middleton Road yesterday following the discovery. Residents were evacuated from their homes and a huge cordon was put in place.

Chief Superintendent John Webster today (Friday) spoke at a press conference from the scene as he thanked those who had been 'displaced' from their homes. He said that a 'substantial quantity of hazardous material' - an 'industrial-scale' amount of fireworks - had been uncovered and that crews were 'working really hard' to dispose of them.

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Chf Supt Webster said although the materials are not believed to have been kept in the house 'intended to cause harm to persons or property', there is a danger there'. He said a 'significant' number of people had been evacuated from their homes and that it was not yet known when they could return.

A 100m cordon remans in place at the scene and this could be extended while work is going. An information centre has been set up at Reddish Library.

A 50-year-old man arrested yesterday remains in police custody. He is being held under Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act and is being questioned by detectives.

Chf Supt Webster added at the press briefing: "Our priority is to keep people safe and keep property safe." In full, a letter he wrote to residents said: "As the GMP District Commander for Stockport, I am writing to update you on the ongoing emergency service response on Middleton Road, Reddish.

"Firstly, I want to reassure you that Greater Manchester Police and the force's partner agencies recognise the disruption