‘I heard all this banging and smashing. I went out in the garden because I thought they were being robbed but it was the police’
Armed police were called after a gun – later found to be a blank firing weapon – was found at the scene(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Neighbours have told of their shock after police raided a suspected spice lab in Tameside.
A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of producing class B drugs following the dramatic scenes on Queens Road, in Hurst Cross, Ashton-under-Lyne, this morning (Tuesday). They remain in custody for questioning.
It’s understood a liquid used in the production of spice may have been found in the raid on the large detached house. Specialist units from North West Ambulance Service and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also took part in the planned raid early this morning.
Armed police were later called to the scene after a officers from GMP’s tactical aid unit found what they thought was on a gun on the premises, a former library. It was later confirmed to be a ‘blank firing weapon’.
Police removing evidence from the home(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Forensics officers spent the morning and early afternoon searching the building. Several bags of evidence, including piles of documents and a money counting machine, were seen being taken from the property.
One neighbour described hearing ‘banging and smashing’ as police launched the raid.
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She said: “I got home about 6am and I heard all this banging and smashing. I went out in the garden because I thought they were being robbed but it was the police smashing their way in.”
Another neighbour said: “When I heard it was synthetic cannabis, I thought they’d need heat lamps or equipment and we’ve never smelled anything like that. You just never know what goes on, do you?”
Emergency services at the scene(Image: Kenny Brown | Manchester Evening News)
Another nearby resident added: “I’m not surprised to be honest. I’ve never had any issues with them, but recently I’ve seen so many characters round there. I’ve lost count of how many different faces I’ve seen there.”
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A GMP spokesperson said: “Officers, alongside emergency service colleagues at GMFRS and NWAS, executed a planned warrant at an address on Queens Road in Ashton-under-Lyne this morning. A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of producing class B drugs. They are in police custody.
“Chemicals used in the production of class B drugs are being tested. Work is ongoing to secure the property. There is no wider risk to the public.”