Residents Flee as Bomb Disposal Robot Descends on Greenfield Street Amid Major Evacuation
A suspicious incident in Oldham on Sunday, April 26, led to a major evacuation and the deployment of bomb disposal teams. A 100-meter exclusion zone was established as emergency services, including specialist EOD robots, searched a property and removed several items for assessment. Residents were able to return home after approximately four hours, with authorities thanking them for their cooperation.
A significant emergency operation unfolded in Oldham on Sunday, April 26, following a suspicious incident on Chew Brook Drive in the Greenfield area. The event prompted the deployment of bomb disposal teams, a major evacuation, and a comprehensive response from emergency services, lasting approximately four hours.
The incident began shortly before midday, leading to the establishment of a 100-meter exclusion zone. Residents living within this cordon were either advised to remain indoors or were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure. Police, fire crews from Chadderton, Hollins, and Mossley, and specialist explosives units, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit, were swiftly deployed to the residential street.
During the operation, a property on Chew Brook Drive was thoroughly searched. Specialist robots from the EOD Unit, remotely operated vehicles designed for safely detecting and inspecting potential threats, were observed being used at the scene. These efforts culminated in the removal of "several items" from the property by the EOD Unit, which were then sent off for assessment. Authorities have not yet confirmed any further details regarding the nature of these items.
The impact of the incident extended to the local community, with the Women’s 1st XI match at the nearby Greenfield Cricket Club being suspended, and spectators explicitly instructed not to attend the ground. Pictures from the scene showed a considerable presence of police vehicles and crime scene tape stretching across the road, underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
Chief Inspector Ian Partington of Greater Manchester Police expressed gratitude to the residents for their patience and cooperation throughout the investigation, which was carried out in conjunction with partners from the EOD and the fire service. The Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service confirmed their attendance with specialist officers and technical rescue units, emphasizing their close collaboration with other agencies to ensure public safety.
The cordon was eventually lifted around 4pm, allowing residents to return to their homes. Greenfield Cricket Club also communicated the situation via an online statement, confirming the exclusion zone, emergency services' presence, and the postponement of their match, while promising updates.