BOMB disposal experts have given residents the all-clear to return to their homes after ‘unknown substances’ were found during a police raid at a property in Knutsford.
Around 100 homes on Longridge were evacuated as a 100-metre cordon is in place as a ‘precautionary measure’.
Elderly and infirm residents, as well as young families were among those asked to leave at around 9.30am on Monday morning.
A large number of police officers and fire and ambulance vehicles have been at the crime scene all day.
A reception centre was set up at Knutsford Leisure Centre for residents.
Officers from Cheshire Police found a number of unknown substances at an address on Longridge after conducting a warrant at around 7am.
Five men aged 23, 24, 29 and 58, along with a 22-year-old woman, have been arrested and are all still in police custody.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said: "Following assessment by experts we can now confirm that it is safe for residents in the Longridge area to return home and the 100 metre cordon has been lifted.
"Six people remain in custody at this time.
"Officers will remain in the area to provide reassurance."
Residents living on the estate have been left alarmed by the incident.
A teenage student came back from college this afternoon to find she couldn’t return to her family home.
The 17-year-old girl said: “I can’t believe this has happened. I’ve lived here for five years.
“Knutsford is a quiet area. You wouldn’t expect something like this to happen here.
“A lot of people are very shocked by all this.”
One mum who was evacuated was given special permission to return to her home.
She said: “It is a bit worrying but it’s more of a precaution.
“I’ve left my lad’s dummy at home so they’re letting me go back for it.”
Another woman forced to leave her home said: “It is inconvenient but I’d rather be safe.”
A plumber told The Guardian: “A police officer knocked on my door at 9.30am.
“He said they’d raided a property and found devices.
“It’s ridiculous.
“I’m a plumber and I’m working away in Cornwall tomorrow.
“I need my car and my tools.
“I’m asthmatic and all my medication is in the house.
“I’ve lived here all my life. I’ve never known anything like this before. It was a bit of a shock.”
People walking their dogs past the crime scene said they felt ‘anxious’ about a big police incident unfolding on their doorstep.
One woman said: “It’s a bit worrying.”
The all-clear was given shortly after 5pm.
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