POLICE have smashed a Breaking Bad-style drugs laboratory near Bury town centre.

Officers raided a flat in Rochdale Road and discovered chemicals and equipment used in the production of crystal meth — the drug made famous in the Netflix show.

The raid took place at the property above the NY Barbers, near the junction with Albert Street, on Monday morning, though police have said the company is not involved in any way.

Three people were arrested and police sealed off the entrance to the flat, which is in an alley behind the barbers.

Firefighters, Bury Council private-housing staff, and police took part in the operation. Specially trained fire officers helped police manage the chemicals safely.

Another scene in nearby Barrett Court was also sealed off and a white investigations tent was put up.

It is understood that police carried out the raid as part of a wider investigation into organised crime.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "There were lots of police cars and white vans, as well as men in white 'hazard' outfits. They also had a fire truck. It's a quiet area and I'm surprised to see the police here for such a long amount of time."

Kevin Barton, who works at a scrapyard near the flat, said: "All the customers were coming in on Monday asking what what was going on and we didn't know, though all sorts of rumours have been flying about. There were loads of police and they taped it all off and people couldn't get access to the butchers. It's very strange for this to be happening so close by."

A Bury Police spokesman said: "Two men, aged 40 and 33, and a 33-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of production of a controlled drug. They have been bailed until 19 April 2016 pending further enquiries."

Detective Inspector Richard Hunt, of Bury Police, said: "We are determined to rid our communities of drugs and this goes some way in reaching that goal.

"I would like to thank the council and community in Bury for their support and assure people that we will continue to work to close in on anyone we believe to be involved in drug-related activity."

Anyone with information that they wish to pass to police is asked to contact officers on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously with information on 080