Wigan street on lockdown as terror searches continue

A Wigan street is on lockdown as police continue to search a property linked to the Manchester bombing.
The street in Wigan on lockdown as terror searches continueThe street in Wigan on lockdown as terror searches continue
The street in Wigan on lockdown as terror searches continue

Officers have been patrolling Springfield Street throughout Thursday.

But the surrounding area has now been cordoned off as the bomb squad was called in.

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Wigan lane has been closed between Mesnes Rd and Central Parkway due to a police incident. The public are being advised to avoid the area if possible.

Police on the scene in SwinleyPolice on the scene in Swinley
Police on the scene in Swinley

Wigan Today understands the man arrested in the town centre yesterday in connection with the Manchester Arena attack had been staying at an address at Springfield Street in Swinley.

Greater Manchester Police this afternoon confirmed a search of a property in Wigan was ongoing.

A police statement read: "We made an arrest in Wigan yesterday in connection with the investigation into the incident at Manchester Arena.

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"Following this arrest a house in Wigan was raided this morning and is currently being searched.

Police on the scene in SwinleyPolice on the scene in Swinley
Police on the scene in Swinley

"Potentially suspicious items were found at the address and a large cordon has been put in place as EOD make an assessment.

"We have a number of officers on the ground and are evacuating people as a matter of precaution as public safety is paramount to our investigation. We are working with the local authority to accommodate those who have been evacuated."

Neighbours reported viewing armed police search the property in the early hours of Thursday morning.

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The police activity on Wigan Lane has restricted access to the infirmary.

Hospital Chiefs have released a statement to members of the public who need to access the building.

A spokesperson for Wigan Infirmary said: "We are aware that people are experiencing difficulties in accessing the hospital via Wigan Lane. We are advising that anyone needing to come to the Infirmary this evening please access the building via the entrance nearest to the cherry gardens pub."

An updated statment read: "At all costs, please try to avoid Wigan Infirmary A&E due to current police incident in surrounding areas."

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One eyewitness said: "It's mayhem. There are police here, cordons everywhere and helicopters flying about. You just don't expect things like this to happen in Wigan. It seems surreal."

Evacuated residents have been told to try to find alternative accommodation for the night.