Chief Superintendent John Wesbter gave an update just now on the situation on Middleton Road, Reddish, whereby 'hazardous materials' were found in a house on the street.

The main point Supt Webster emphasised was that the priority was to keep residents safe.

As it stands, houses in the vicinity of the investigation have been evacuated, whilst bomb disposal units deal with the hazardous material.

Supt Webster referred to 'black powder' and confirmed that the findings so far have been consistent with the industrial manufacture of fireworks.

Although he emphasised hopes that the issue would be resolved as quickly as possible, he stressed that the area needed to be made 100% safe beforehand.

Dealing with the materials would be 'slow and meticulous', he said. "That takes time, and I make no apologies for that", he added, arguing that safety of residents was of the utmost importance - the police scene would only be released when 100% safety was assured.

Supt Webster also outlined that there was no suggestion of malicious intent.

For displaced residents or anybody else who remains concerned, information is available at Reddish Library.

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Similarly, evacuated residents in need of medicine or similarly important items from their houses are encouraged to talk to an officer at the scene.