Residents evacuated and people told to stay away after guns and 'suspicious chemicals'

Two men have been arrested

A number of homes in Ashton-Under-Lyne have been evacuated after 'suspicious chemicals' and several guns were found in a flat.

Police made the discovery while searching a flat in Mossley Road this afternoon (Wednesday November 16). Two men, aged 37 and 43, have since been arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) confirmed.

GMP officers and firefighters are currently at the scene, assessing the chemicals .A number of nearby flats have also been evacuated as a 'precaution' but local residents have been told that there is not believed to be any threat to the public.

A GMP spokesman said: "This afternoon, officers searching a flat on Mossley Road, Ashton-Under-Lyne, discovered several firearms as well as a number of unidentified chemicals. A 37-year-old man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms and was taken to custody for questioning where he remains. A second man, aged 43 was also arrested on suspicion of possession of firearms.

"GMP along with colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are currently at the scene to assess the chemicals. Nearby flats have been evacuated as a standard safety precaution while the assessment is carried out. Members of the public are advised to avoid the area."

GMP's Chief Inspector Robert MacGregor added: "Following the discovery of these chemicals this afternoon, we have been working with our colleagues from GMFRS while they carry out the appropriate assessments and this evacuation is purely a precaution. I would like to reassure the local community that we don’t believe there to be any wider threat to the public.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to contact Police on 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting log number 2396 of the 16 th November 2022"