Inquiry into 'explosive' packages

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A bomb hoaxer caused disruption after three potentially explosive packages were found dotted around a Greater Manchester town.

A supermarket was closed, homes were evacuated and a car park was cordoned off as bomb disposal experts examined the packages in Atherton, near Wigan.

One of the parcels contained an adapted firework, while another was linked to an acetylene cylinder.

Police said it was not clear if the devices were intended to be set off.

The first package was found behind Lidl supermarket in Tyldesley Road at about 0945 GMT on Sunday.

Police evacuated the store, which remained closed for most of the day, and called in Army bomb disposal experts.

'Reckless' individual

The second package was found a few hours later at about 1450 GMT, behind a fence in West Bank Street.

A number of homes were evacuated while the device was made safe.

At about 2100 GMT police were alerted to a third suspicious package in the car park of the Focus DIY store in West Bank Street.

Greater Manchester Police said all three packages, which were similar in appearance, were taken away by experts for examination.

Insp Liz Sanderson, from the Atherton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Whether or not those responsible have placed these items as a hoax or with the intention of setting them off is unclear.

"What is clear is that these are the actions of someone who is reckless and has a complete disregard for the safety of others.

"We will now be looking closely at these devices with a view to identifying the culprit."