A man in his 40s has been arrested after harmful chemicals were discovered at a property in Heald Green, Stockport, prompting a large police operation and the involvement of bomb disposal experts.
Officers executed a warrant at an address on Brown Lane on Friday (October 16), with the man taken into custody on suspicion of possessing hazardous chemicals. The street was cordoned off on Sunday (October 18) as the operation escalated, with specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officers and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service in attendance.
Police operation unfolds over weekend
The MEN understands there was no cordon when police first arrived on Friday, with the road closed on Sunday as officers and other agencies worked to remove the chemicals safely. A police presence remained on the street following the initial discovery, with one witness reporting a police car stationed outside a property for around 48 hours. Residents returning to their homes behind the cordon had to be escorted by police officers.
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said: "Officers from the Stockport Neighbourhood Team, supported by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, executed a warrant at an address on Brown Lane, Heald Green, Cheadle on Friday morning (18/10/2026), resulting in the discovery of harmful chemicals."
"As a result, a man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of possessing hazardous chemicals, and was taken into police custody for questioning. He has since been bailed. Specialist officers, Explosive Ordinance Disposal and colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) are safely removing the hazardous chemicals."
Community reassured of no wider risk
The operation brought an unusual sight to Brown Lane, which one resident described as a "nice area". Local councillors posted messages on community Facebook groups to reassure residents, saying they had been told by police there was "no wider risk to the community".
Stockport Superintendent David Henthorne said police believed it to be an "isolated incident". He said: "We understand this incident may cause concern within the local community, however, at this time we believe this to be an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public."
"We have a number of investigative opportunities to progress and are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the chemicals found. I would ask anyone who has information which may assist our investigation to get in touch with us. Information from the public could prove vital as we continue our enquiries."
The man arrested has since been bailed while enquiries continue. The cordon was removed and Brown Lane reopened at around 4pm on Sunday.
