Bomb squad called and streets taped off after reports of 'suspicious item' near Rivington

Bomb disposal units were called and streets were taped off after reports of a 'suspicious item' being found near Rivington on Sunday afternoon (October 6).

Police and army explosive units were called to Rivington Lane, near the Lower Rivington Reservoir, after a suspicious object had been dug up from the garden of a house nearby.

A number of roads were cordoned off as emergency crews responded to assess the item, which was later deemed to not be dangerous or pose a threat to the nearby community.

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Lancashire Police revealed that although the item has not be determined, it is a solid piece of metal and thought to be an old cannon ball.

Sharing the update on social media, the force posted: "You may have seen an increased police presence within the Rivington Lane area this afternoon.

"Just to update you all, we attended a report of a suspicious object that had been found after being dug up from the garden of a property.

"A number of temporary road closures were put in place. I just wanted to say thank you for your patience. This has now been resolved and turns out to be nothing sinister or dangerous."