A cordon was put in place
Homes were evacuated and roads closed on Sunday afternoon after emergency services were called to reports of a ‘suspicious device’, police said.
The alert was in force in the Hindley area of Wigan, with bomb disposal experts called to the scene.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service also urged residents to avoid the area. A 100-metre cordon was put in place on Castle Hill Road.
The device, however, was later confirmed not to be viable.
It’s understood the alert has now been scaled down and residents are returning to their homes.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “At around 12.10pm this afternoon (Sunday 13 July 2025), we were called to reports of a suspicious device on Castle Hill Road in Hindley. Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) are at the scene and a 100m cordon has been put in place.
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“As a precaution, a number of properties in the area have been asked to evacuate while this work continues. A number of road closures are in place, please avoid the area and find alternative routes.
“Thank you for your cooperation.”
In a later post, police added: “This afternoon, emergency services responded to an ongoing incident on Castle Hill Road in Hindley. It has been confirmed that the device that was found is not viable.
“This incident has now been stood down and a cordon has been lifted. Thank you for your understanding during this incident.”
No further details have been revealed.
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