Updated: Town centre road closed as armed police swoop

Shop workers along Upper Dicconson Street in Swinley have been told to stay inside from their windows by police.

Parts of the road have been closed while the incident is ongoing.

A large area of Swinley has been cordoned off, with officers stopping people from travelling towards the road closures.

Gemma Norton, owner of Bijou Hair Salon in Upper Dicconson Street, said officers arrived at the scene at around 3.40pm.

She said: “We were told to stay away from the windows. It’s a bit frightening, really.”

There are a number of schools in the area as well as the Wigan Youth Zone.

One of the businesses cordoned off was Fifteens of Swinley.

Manager Joanne Turton said: “To be honest it is quite frightening. I have my young grandson here.

“At first we thought it was a training exercise but then the police came in and said that a man had been detained over a suspicious bag. He was being held down further down the street near Bar Legion while they investigate the package.

“We were told to stay away from the windows or even make an exit through the rear of the premises.”