A SUSPICIOUS device found on land in Oldham has been removed and the cordon lifted, say police who are still investigating the incident.

The safety cordon at Bow Street was lifted just before 7pm this evening, eight hours after police were called to reports of a suspicious package.

Bomb disposal officers attended and the device was made safe.

Immediate surrounding properties were evacuated as a precaution but residents have now been able to return to their homes.

An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.

Superintendent Danny Inglis, of GMP’s Oldham district, said: “A device was found on Bow Street, which was safely removed by specialist officers. This investigation is being led by GMP’s Organised Crime Team and it is not being treated as terrorism-related.

“I understand this may cause some concern but we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the public and the cordon has now been lifted.

“If you saw anything or anyone acting suspiciously in the area or have any information that could assist our enquiries, please get in touch with us as soon as you can.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 665 of 06/02/2019, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.