The bomb squad destroys the “old grenade”, which triggered a huge emergency response

VaselineMay 10, 2024

0 3 minutes read

The bomb squad destroys the “old grenade”, which triggered a huge emergency response

An old grenade found at a property in Bury has been destroyed in a ‘controlled explosion’. Police taped Chesham Road at the junction with Walmersley Road following reports of a “suspicious item”.

A large cordon was put in place and emergency services – including the bomb disposal squad – were at the scene. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a “precautionary controlled explosion” had taken place.

GMP were called to reports of a “suspicious item” at an address in the area at around 2.40pm today (May 10). The MEN understands the item is believed to have been an old grenade which was discovered during renovations at a property.

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Several police officers and firefighters intervened on the scene. Four ambulances were also seen.

In an update shortly after 7.20pm, a GMP spokesman said: “Following earlier reports of a suspicious item, EOD carried out a precautionary controlled explosion in Chesham Road. Officers are in the process of leaving the scene.”

This is a breaking news incident. More updates and information will be posted below.

20:16Seamus McDonnell

End of live coverage

This marks the end of our live coverage of this incident.

20:15Key event

How the drama unfolded

Video footage taken by a neighbor captured the moment the bomb squad took the device to a nearby field in Bury and detonated it.

Shortly after 19.00 a “loud bang” was heard. Police later confirmed that a “precautionary controlled explosion” had taken place. The images captured here show the moment the explosion occurred.

19:50Joseph Timan

Explosion point

A hole was left in the ground by the controlled explosion that appears to have occurred at Walker’s Field.

19:37Joseph Timan

“A Little Surreal”

A local resident told the MEN that the whole incident was “a bit surreal”. Courtney Kenny, 20, heard that a hand grenade had been found at a property that was being renovated.

She said: “It has been a property under renovation for some time. I don’t know if he’s a gardener or a builder, but something was found in that house.

“They found something suspicious and called the police and the bomb squad came. We were told it was a hand grenade.

“It’s just a little bit surreal. How does this happen in Bury?

“It got all the kids excited to see it happen. How often do you see this?

“How long was he in there though? I’m just glad they found him and I’m glad he didn’t go off in the house.”

19:28Key event

Old grenade

MEN understands the suspicious object was an old grenade discovered during renovations. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the bomb disposal squad carried out a controlled explosion as a precaution.

A GMP spokesman said: “Following earlier reports of a suspicious item, EOD carried out a precautionary controlled explosion in Chesham Road. The officers are in the process of leaving the scene.”

19:14Key event

“strong piece”

Our reporter John Scheerhout just heard a “good one.” It appears to have been a controlled explosion, he says.

19:09Joseph Timan

Firefighters focused on the ‘front of a property’

This video shows a police van and two fire response technical unit vehicles, with several emergency vehicles further behind in the cordon. Our reporter John Scheerhout says the incident appears to be focused on the front of a property.

19:06Joseph Timan

More drone footage

(Image: JMG Press)

19:02Joseph Timan

Reporter on the spot

Our reporter John Scheerhout is at the scene in Chesham Road. He says there is still a “significant” presence of emergency services in the area.

19:00Joseph Timan

Road still partially closed

Chesham Road is still partially closed. Several emergency service vehicles arrived and headed towards the cordon.

The Barbie understand that part of the way. it has now been reopened. Police and firefighters are still at the scene.

18:40Joseph Timan

Emergency services

(Image: JMG Press)

18:33Key event

Army bomb disposal on site

An army bomb disposal vehicle is at the scene. Four ambulance incident response vehicles are also present.

The Barbie understands that two fire engines and a technical rescue unit have just arrived at the scene in Chesham Road.

18:29Joseph Timan

Aerial photos

This drone footage shows the area that was recorded. Chesham Road is closed from the junction with Walmersley Road.

(Image: JMG Press)

18:22Joseph Timan

“Avoid the area”

Bury Council has warned people to avoid the area due to the ongoing incident.

18:05Joseph Timan

Photos from the spot

(Image: JMG Press)

Police were called to reports of a “suspicious item” in Chesham Road, Bury(Image: JMG Press)

17:52Key event

Police statement

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “GMP were called to reports of a suspicious item at an address in Chesham Road, Bury at around 2.40pm today. Officers are at the scene and work is currently underway to assess the item.”