A 100m exclusion zone was put in place in Oldham on Sunday
19:07, 26 Apr 2026Updated 19:08, 26 Apr 2026
Bomb disposal specialists at the scene with police(Image: GM_Blue_Lights / TikTok)
Specialist bomb disposal unit robots were seen on a residential street after a major evacuation in Oldham throughout Sunday afternoon (April 26).
Explosives teams were called to Chew Brook Drive in the Greenfield area and a property was searched amid reports of suspicious items. A number of items were later seized and sent off for further testing.
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 a 100m exclusion zone also put in place.
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Pictures taken from the scene and shared with the Manchester Evening News show specialist robots from the Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) being used on the residential street. The remotely operated vehicles are used to safely detect and inspect potential threats.
The EOD robot was pictured at the scene(Image: GM_Blue_Lights / TikTok)
Multiple police vehicles were in attendance, along with fire crews and an EOD van. Police tape stretched over the residential street while assessments were carried out, which lasted around four hours. Local residents were later able to back into their homes and the cordon was lifted.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed ‘several items’ were later removed from a property by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and sent off for assessment. No further details about the items in question have been confirmed.
Fire crews taped off the residential street(Image: GM_Blue_Lights / TikTok)
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.”
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.”