Bomb squad swarm Wigan house as part of terror raids
THE bomb disposal squad have descended on a house in Wigan as the investigation into the terror attack at Manchester continues.
Bomb disposal unit answers call in Wigan
A cordon is in place on Springfield Street as police and the bomb squad search a house.
it is the second time in a week the street has been closed, after an address in the same location was searched on Thursday.
It is thought police have maintained a prescence in the area over the past five days.
Some residents were forced to evacuate their homes while others have been told to stay indoors after officers swooped around 3pm on Tuesday.
The Royal Logistic Corps bomb disposal unit is on the scene, and forensic officers appeared to be searching a house.
Surrounding roads have been shut as the operation is underway
A resident said: “It’s been quite busy this week, there’s been a lot of police there. There’s been quite a few police on the street, it’s been quite
reassuring.
“They have been knocking on doors and asking questions - have you ever seen the guy, have you ever noticed anything particularly unusual.
“They’ve been going down the alley round the back searching. There’s a few big bins round the back, a few big skips.
“It seems strange that they’ve been back today because there’s been a lot of people going in and out.
“It seems strange they would have found something new when they’ve been here every day.
The bomb disposal squad have descended on a house in Wigan
A helicopter is also circling the area, as police are believed to be returning their focus to the Wigan property.
The street was evacuated last Thursday after the discovery of "potentially suspicious items".
A man was arrested in Wigan on Wednesday, which led to last Thursday’s raid.
Bomb disposal unit leaves scene in Wigan
A statement from Greater Manchester Police says: “We are currently searching a property in Springfield Gardens in Wigan in relation to last Monday’s attack on Manchester Arena.
“There is a cordon in place and we are asking people to avoid the area.”
Surrounding roads were shut as the operation unfolded.
men in white suits appear as a police officer confirms to locals a search of a property has revealed "something officers don't like" #Wigan pic.twitter.com/mmqNnB6cgv
— Paul Doward (@diggerdow) May 30, 2017
Wigan Lane, at the junction of Central Park Way, is currently closed.
Photos from the scene show numerous police vehicles and officers as a group of locals look on.
Police presence has now reduced and residents are being allowed back in their homes.
The bomb disposal unit has left and traffic is being allowed through the area again, although the helicopter remains.
The raids follow extensive searches and arrests in connection with the deadly terror attack at an Ariana Grande concert on May 22 which left 22 people dead and more than 100 injured.