EXCLUSIVE: Armed police were spotted at the scene in Rochdale on Saturday evening

22:00, 03 May 2025Updated 22:49, 03 May 2025

Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officers (CTSFO) outside a property in Rochdale(Image: Kyle Warren)

This is the moment armed counter terror police stormed a home in Rochdale.

In a video shared with the Manchester Evening News, armed officers, some with CTSFO (Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officer) on the back of their protective clothing, were seen walking around the back of a house on East Street, in Rochdale, earlier this evening (May 3).

Moments later a man, who was shirtless, was seen being led out by officers. The video appears to be taken from the upstairs of a house opposite the scene.

Numerous armed police were spotted outside the property on East Street, off Rochdale Road, next to the Firgrove Playing Field, at around 7pm on Saturday.

See moment armed counter terror officers raid the house below

Police vans and cars, along with armed officers were spotted at the scene.

Neighbours reported hearing a ‘loud bang’ moments before officers stormed the home. Up to 15 police vans and cars were seen around the area, which remains cordoned off.

Images show a broken window and door which appears to have been broken in.

One neighbour, who works in Malik’s Mini Mart, opposite the property said: “We heard bangs that sounded like gunshots. There was loads of police vans, forensics. Suddenly hundreds of police here and they were here for hours.”

Another neighbour said: “I was sat in the living room and I heard a bang. I thought the neighbours had dropping something heavy. Then I could hear a ruckus of vehicles. I went for a fag round my back garden when suddenly I see a fully armed police officer cocking a gun. I asked her what’s going in and she said get back inside. Then they just swarmed from both sides.

A broken window and door at a property on East Street in Rochdale

“I went upstairs to the bedroom and police swarmed.

“I think they blew the door off – there was that gunpowder smell.

“Then they threw a gas canister in there and raided the house. I heard him screaming. There were police with guns pointing at the window

“Then the Forensic team came and they were combing the garden.

“It’s quite scary, quite unnerving when it’s so close at hand.”

Greater Manchester Police have been approached for further information.