Greater Manchester Police (GMP) recently announced that 50-year-old David Prior of Reddish was charged with making an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose.

The charge relates to a discovery on Thursday (1 June), where police found evidence for the illegal manufacture of fireworks in a house on Middleton Road.  

Prior was arrested at the scene, and appeared at Manchester Magistrates court on Saturday (3 June). He was found in breach of section four of the 1883 Explosive Substance Act.  

Throughout Thursday night and most of Friday (2 June), residents on Middleton Road, Reddish were evacuated whilst police investigated and disposed of the material in a controlled manner. Some householders stayed with family and friends, whilst others were directed to Houldsworth Village, Broadstone Road.

A huge police presence, including a bomb disposal unit, remained on the scene, with the western section of Middleton Road cordoned off entirely.  

Fire and ambulance services were also present, with a convoy of vehicles stretched along the intersection at Lindfield Road and others in place across the area. 

Vehicles were stretched along Lindfield Road, which intersects Middleton Road (Image - Alasdair Perry)

Chief Superintendent John Webster emphasised the importance of a 'slow and meticulous' approach when disposing of the material, which prioritised the safety of residents. 

On Friday evening, 'following the safe recovery of all hazardous materials', evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes.  

Loud but safe explosions could be heard as controlled detonations took place in an isolated location on Friday and Saturday.  

Chief Inspector Andrew Harty said: "This incident has caused a lot of disruption in the local community over the past couple of days and I would like to thank impacted residents for their understanding and patience throughout.  

"Our investigation is in its early stages, but it is progressing at pace. 

"[On Friday] evening, we concluded the safe recovery of all hazardous materials from the property on Middleton Road and lifted the cordon that was in place, allowing all displaced residents to return to their homes safely.

"The area has now been made safe and there is no wider risk to the community. A scene will remain in place at the property on Middleton Road over the next couple of days whilst officers continue to carry out enquiries."

Supt John Webster also said in a statement: "I would also like to extend my thanks to the families and friends who so kindly provided the displaced residents with accommodation [Thursday] night and throughout [Friday].  

"Your generosity in their time of need is a testament to the resilient community spirit in Reddish, Stockport, and across Greater Manchester."

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