FIVE people arrested after a "bomb threat" in Heywood have been released under investigation.

The two men, aged 17 and 25, and three women, aged 17, 24 and 41, were arrested yesterday on suspicion of Explosive Act offences.

Police discovered a "potentially explosive device" while conducting a search at a property in Bury Old Road at around 9.20am on Thursday morning, as part of investigations into the theft of a motorbike.

Specialist bomb disposal officers were called and neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution.

A controlled explosion was then safely carried out on a nearby field before residents were allowed to return to their homes.

Following the incident an investigation was launched led by officers from Rochdale's police force.

However, officers investigating have since said the incident is not being treated as terrorism-related and do not believe there to be a wider threat to the public.

All five of those arrested in connection with incident have now been released under investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanne Reid, of GMP’s Rochdale division, said: “I would like to reiterate that – while the device is believed to have been viable – this investigation will continue to be led by Rochdale CID, and is not being treated as terrorism-related.

“We do not believe there to be any wider threat and our enquiries remain ongoing.

“Anyone with any information on the incident is encouraged to contact police.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8437 or 101 quoting incident number 1690 of 03/01/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.