Residents have been evacuated after "suspicious items" were found at an address in Rochdale. 

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say its bomb disposal team is on the scene after "suspicious items" were found at an address on Ashfield Road. 

Officers were originally called in response to a concern for welfare, and found a large number of the items while inside. 

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Police say that some houses in the area have been evacuated and residents have been asked to avoid the area. 

A spokesperson from GMP said: "Emergency services are currently responding to an ongoing incident on Ashfield Road in Rochdale.

"Responding to a concern for welfare at a property, officers discovered a large amount of suspicious items inside.

"Emergency services remain on the scene and a cordon is in place while enquiries are ongoing.

"Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) have been tasked to attend the scene and inspect the property.

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"As a precaution, several houses in the area have been asked to evacuate while this work continues.

"People are being asked to avoid Ashfield Road and its surrounding areas."