Bomb squad called in over ‘suspicious item’ found near nursery in Bolton as witnesses hear ‘loud bang’

A POLICE bomb squad has been called after a “suspicious item” was found near a nursery – with witnesses hearing a “loud bang”.

Blackburn Road in Bolton, Greater Manchester was partly closed after cops responded to reports of a suspect package in the area.

The cordon in place along the street has now been lifted.

There were reports a local nursery was evacuated after the item was found.

Footage shared on social media shows a bomb disposal robot driving along the street, with uniformed soldiers also at the scene.

There were warning shouts from bomb disposal experts before a loud bang was heard at the scene.

Before the cordon was lifted, a police spokesman said: “Greater Manchester Police were called at around 8am today (Wednesday 22 March 2023) to Sweetloves Lane in Bolton to reports of suspicious items being found.

“Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) are currently assessing the items. A current 100m cordon is in place to ensure the safety of the public.

“There is believed to be no wider risk to the community.”

Fire crews have now left the scene and that the road has reopened.