A man's body and replica World War Two guns were found at an address in Rochdale yesterday, Thursday, as residents were told to evacuate the area.

A bomb disposal squad was deployed to an address on Ashfield Road and some houses in the area were evacuated for safety reasons.

Police were originally called in response to a concern for the welfare of a man and found a large number of "suspicious items" inside the home.

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A cordon was put in place and residents were asked to avoid the area.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: "Responding to a concern for welfare at a property, officers discovered a large amount of suspicious items inside.

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

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

The cordon was then lifted around 8pm last night after EOD determined the items were replica World War Two guns.

GMP also confirmed officers were called to check on a man and sadly found him deceased in the property.

A spokesperson for the force added: "EOD were called to review the scene and make it safe.

"Despite the heightened response at the time, there is no cause for concern now."

Police enquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk