Wigan Suspects Devices Made Safe

Police in Wigan have launched an investigation after three suspect packages were found in the Atherton area over the weekend.

In each incident bomb disposal experts made the devices safe.

A number of road closures were implemented and some homes evacuated as a precaution.

Shortly before 9.45am yesterday, police were called to the Lidl supermarket on Tyldesley Road.

Officers attended and discovered a six-inch suspect package behind the store.

A few hours later, at about 2.50pm, police were called to West Bank Street following the discovery of a suspect package on a fence at the rear of the street.

A number of homes were evacuated while the device was made safe.

At around 9pm police were made aware of a third suspicious package that had been spotted on the Focus car park on West Bank Street.

Inspector Liz Sanderson, from the Atherton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Whether or not those responsible have placed these items as a hoax or with the intention of setting them off is unclear.

"What is clear is that these are the actions of someone who is reckless and has a complete disregard for the safety of others," she said.

"A lot of people were affected by this yesterday but I must commend the way everyone worked together to make the devices safe and get everything back to normal as soon as possible.

"We will now be looking closely at these devices with a view to identifying the culprit."

(PR/KMcA)