A WWII tank shell was ‘uncovered’ on a street in StockportPolice on Reuben Street, Reddish(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Home were evacuated after a Second World War tank shell was discovered in Stockport. Emergency services attended, and the bomb squad were called in, following the discovery at a house on Reuben Street.

The Manchester Evening News understands it was found during a clearance of the house, said to have once been occupied by an elderly couple.

Police and firefighters were among those who responded and set up a cordon in the area.

Occupants of a number of nearby properties were also asked to evacuate.

Manchester Road was among the streets shut off with heavy traffic building.

Manchester Road was shut off(Image: Manchester Evening News)

The bomb disposal unit assessed the item and removed it.

It was taken to Woodbank Park where a controlled explosion was carried out.

The cordon surrounding Reuben Street has now been removed, but there remains a heavy police presence at the park.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: “At around 11.45am this morning (Friday 11 April 2025), we were called to reports of a historic tank shell from World War Two found at an address on Reuben Street in Reddish, Stockport.

“Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) attended the scene and have taken the device to a nearby park to carry out a controlled explosion.

“As a precaution, a number of properties in the area have been asked to evacuate and there are road closures are in place. Thank you for your cooperation.”

Day in day out, our reporters in the Manchester Evening News newsroom bring you remarkable stories from all aspects of Mancunian life. However, with the pace of life these days, the frenetic news agenda and social media algorithms, you might not be getting a chance to read it.

That’s why every week our Features and Perspectives editor Rob Williams brings you Unmissable, highlighting the best of what we do – bringing it to you directly from us. Make sure you don’t miss out, and see what else we have to offer, by clicking here and signing up for MEN Daily News.

And be sure to join our politics writer Jo Timan every Sunday for his essential commentary on what matters most to you in Greater Manchester each week in our newsletter Due North. You can also sign up for that here.

You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to see everything we offer, including everything from breaking news to Coronation Street.

If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our news desk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you’ll be the first to hear about it.

And finally, if there is a story you think our journalists should be looking into, we want to hear from you. Email us on newsdesk@men-news.co.uk or give us a ring on 0161 211 2920.