Update – Small number of homes evacuation after substances found – Horwich

September 5, 2012, 12:09 pm

Residents in Horwich who have been affected by today’s policing operation have now been allowed to return home.

The EOD have assessed the device and deemed it to be safe – it is hoped that residents will be allowed to return to their properties within the hour.

This was a preplanned policing operation.

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Original Story

A small number of homes have been evacuated as a precaution after police executed a warrant at a house in Horwich.

At about 10am on Wednesday, 5 September 2012, police from Bolton division executed search warrants at two houses in on Cheriton Gardens and Ormston Avenue, Horwich, as part of an ongoing investigation into the possession and distribution of indecent images in Bolton.

A 38-year-old man from Horwich was arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images. He was also arrested on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000, specifically possessing information likely to be useful for a person committing or preparing for acts of terrorism and offences under the Explosives Act.

The raids were supported by officers from the North West Counter Terrorism Unit.

Officers found some suspicious substances in the property on Cheriton Gardens and around six flats have been evacuated as a precaution while the substances are examined.

A cordon is currently in place and residents and motorists are being advised to avoid the area while emergency services deal with the scene.

Superintendent Steve Nibloe, based at Bolton, said: “We are in the very early stages of this incident and I want to reassure residents that we have no evidence yet that anyone has been in any danger.
“The measures taken are merely a precaution.

“However, we have discovered some suspicious substances in the house on Cheriton Gardens and we are in the process of having them examined.

“As a result we have asked a number of households to leave the immediate area to ensure they are a safe distance away from the property.

“We are working with our colleagues at the fire brigade and Bolton Council to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.

“In terms of the arrest I want to stress that there is absolutely no evidence to suggest that anyone in the community, or surrounding areas, are at immediate risk as a result of this investigation which centres on one individual only.

“We have no further details at this stage but will keep everyone updated with developments as and when we have them.”