A SPERMARKET was evacuated after a bomb threat.

Police and the fire service were called to Asda Blackburn on Wednesday evening.

It came just hours after officers sealed off a street in Oldham after reports of a package. 

In Blackburn, store bosses took the decision to evacuate the store shortly after the call was made - and sounded the fire alarm.

A picture circulated on social media showed one fire engine and one police van in an otherwise deserted car park at the store on Lower Audley, Grimshaw Park.

A  police spokesman said: "A bomb threat has been made to Asda in Blackburn.

"We did not evacuate the store - it is Asda who decided to evacuate.

"They are searching the premises now.

"We do not have any corroborative information and it has been assessed by the police as a standard response which is the lowest grade."

Earlier in the day bomb disposal officers were called to deal with a suspicious package in Bow Street, in Oldham.  

Immediate surrounding properties were evacuated as a precaution but resident were erable to return to their homes just before 7pm.

An investigation has been launched and enquiries are ongoing.

Superintendent Danny Inglis, of GMP’s Oldham district, said: “A device was found on Bow Street, which was safely removed by specialist officers. This investigation is being led by GMP’s Organised Crime Team and it is not being treated as terrorism-related.

“I understand this may cause some concern but we do not believe there to be any wider threat to the public and the cordon has now been lifted.

“If you saw anything or anyone acting suspiciously in the area or have any information that could assist our enquiries, please get in touch with us as soon as you can.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101.