Bomb squad called and homes evacuated after 'grenade' found on Manchester street

A bomb squad rushed to a UK residential street and evacuated some homes after a suspected grenade was found on the quiet street.

Greater Manchester Police said they were called to a street in Stockport this afternoon and deployed a bomb disposal unit to the road. Police said initial reports suggested a possible grenade was found on land off Gorton Road, in Reddish.

Images showed emergency crews at Reddish Business Centre this afternoon as a police cordon was put in place on the unsuspecting street. Firefighters and officers from Greater Manchester Police were seen in attendance at the site.

READ MORE: Jack P Shepherd is married! Coronation Street star kisses bride in first wedding photos

READ MORE: Ray French dies: Legendary BBC commentator and 'Voice of Rugby League' passes away

The suspected grenade is reportedly believed to be an unexploded historic device, according to Manchester Evening News. Police added that a small number of homes had to be evacuated as a precaution before the bomb disposal unit arrived at the scene.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: "At around 12.30pm today, officers received a call regarding a suspected grenade being discovered in an area of land near Gorton Road, North Reddish.

"Addresses in the immediate area have been evacuated as a precautionary measure and EOD are enroute to the scene. There are not believed to be suspicious circumstances regarding the discovery."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service added: "Just after 1pm on Saturday, July 26, fire crews were called to assist after the discovery of a suspected grenade near Gorton Road, Reddish.

"Fire engines from Whitehill, Stockport and Ashton stations were quickly mobilised to the scene. Firefighters remain at the scene, working alongside Greater Manchester Police to make the area safe."