A man has been arrested after potentially hazardous chemicals were discovered inside a flat in Salford. The arrest follows a police response to Rowland Street over a week ago.
Officers were called to the property after ambulance services attended a concern for welfare call at approximately 8:30 PM on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Upon arrival, police found a substance believed to be potentially hazardous and removed it safely.
No injuries have been reported. An investigation was launched, and a 28-year-old white British man was initially assessed under the Mental Health Act. He has since been arrested on suspicion of an offence under the Biological Weapons Act and remains in custody for questioning.
Residents have reported sightings of multiple emergency service personnel in the area last week. Police have been working with Salford City Council, North West Ambulance Service, and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service as part of the response. Authorities state there is no wider risk to the public.
Superintendent Dave Henthorne, leading the investigation, said: "We understand that incidents of this nature may cause concern to our communities. Emergency services have been working in partnership to assess the scene, and every step has been taken to limit any risk to the wider community."
He added: "The substances found were analysed and have been deemed as potentially hazardous. They have been safely and securely removed from the property. There is believed to be no wider risk to the public, and we’d like to thank the local community for their patience whilst we deal with this incident. Officers will remain on the scene as we continue with our investigation, so if you have any concerns, please feel free to speak to them."
