A number of items were seized from a property by explosives specialists during the incident in Oldham
17:51, 26 Apr 2026Updated 17:55, 26 Apr 2026
Chew Brook Drive was cordoned off with homes evacuated
(Image: Mike Calverley
/ Facebook)
Residents were evacuated with a large exclusion zone put in place following a suspicious incident in Oldham on Sunday (April 26). Bomb disposal teams were called to Chew Brook Drive in the Greenfield area before a property was searched.
A cordon was put in place with fire crews, police and specialist explosives units descending on the residential street. Homes were evacuated as a precaution, with the Women’s 1st XI match at nearby Greenfield Cricket Club also suspended with spectators told not to attend.
Pictures taken from the incident showed a number of police vehicles in attendance with crime scene tape stretching over the road. A 100m exclusion zone was put in place as locals were temporarily removed from their homes for ‘items’ to be assessed.
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Residents within the cordon area were advised to remain indoors or were evacuated as a precaution, the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said. Emergency crews were called to the scene shortly before midday.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed ‘several items’ were later removed from a property by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and sent off for assessment as residents were able to return home. No further details about the items in question have been confirmed.
Chief Inspector Ian Partington, of GMP, said: “We would like to thank residents for their patience and co-operation today while we carried out our investigations alongside partners at the EOD and the fire service.”
Greenfield Cricket Club wrote in an online statement: “Due to an ongoing incident on Chew Brook Drive there is currently an 100m exclusion zone in place. Emergency services currently in attendance.
“As such today’s match has been postponed and the police have instructed the public not to attend the cricket ground and park. In the meantime we will use our socials to provide updates. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.”
The incident was ongoing for around four hours, with the cordon lifted at around 4pm. A spokesperson for the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “At just before 12pm today (Sunday 26 April) fire crews were called to support Greater Manchester Police on Chew Brook Drive, Greenfield.
“Fire engines from Chadderton, Hollins and Mossley attended, along with specialist officers and technical rescue units. A cordon was established around the premises, and residents within the affected area were advised to remain indoors or were evacuated as a precaution.
“Firefighters worked closely with police, Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams and other agencies to ensure public safety. Crews were in attendance for approximately four hours”