Police investigating a Whitefield hand grenade incident have said that there is a 'perceived low risk’ of another incident.
In a community meeting held at The Robert Peel Free House, on Saturday, October 1, residents shared their worries and concerns with Bury South police officers.
One of the first residents to speak said: “What happened happened, that's the reality of it but what are the details of it?
“The police are here doing an investigation but from a neighbourhood point of view, our concerns are the risks and risk factors that are ongoing.
“From your perspective, is there an ongoing high risk?”
In response to this, Sergeant Chris Allanson, Bury South Neighbourhood Police, said: “We just want to reassure people and right now it is perceived to be low risk.
“We have police in the area and a mobile police station that may continue into next week but it is not perceived as a massive risk to everybody at the moment.”
Despite the reassurance of the low risk, another resident shared her fears of another evacuation, she said: “My dog is in the house on his own right now and I do worry about him.
“What if something like this happens again and I’m not there to evacuate my dog.”
Similarly, the impact of the night seemed to have worried many residents and after the meeting, one even felt worse than before.
She said: “I’m not sure why but I felt very relaxed when I came out today and now, I'm feeling quite anxious about the whole thing.”
Sergeant Allanson said: “We do want people to be vigilant now, it is an ongoing investigation so anything suspicious we want you to report.
“If anybody's got any information and wants to speak to us, you can.
“Although it is perceived as a low risk right now, we just really urge you to be vigilant for anything out of the ordinary or suspicious.”
During the meeting, one resident said that on their way home, they saw a motorbike speeding round a corner which made them mount the curb in their car to avoid being hit.
Another said their teenager saw the police presence and imminently locked their doors whilst another added that their child is now staying at their dad’s house as a result of the scare.
Although not much information was given by police in regards to the incident which occurred on Thursday, September 29, residents are hoping to find out more soon.
Cllr Tahir Rafiq, Cllr Joan Grimshaw, Cllr Nathan Boroda all attended the meeting.
Cllr Rafiq said: “We've had a very serious incident on Randale Drive, it's very concerning for the community and we've had a meeting at the Robert Peel.
“I want to thank the Peel and their staff for the way they helped on the night of the evacuation and well into the morning too.
“I also want to thank the emergency services and everyone involved in the meeting.
“It was more or less an update on the ongoing investigation and also to give reassurance to the people of Randale Drive and the community.
“It was a good meeting and the police have assured that there's an increased presence and they have a mobile setup so I'm thankful for what they're doing.
“If any members of the public have any concerns they must contact the police with any information or worries they have, they can also contact myself and other counsellors, Joan Grimshaw and Nathan Boroda.”
ALSO READ:
- Popular Bury bar shut as repossession notice posted on building
- Successful horse rescue after two-hour struggle in Radcliffe
- Farmer's shooting threat as lamb savaged and left to die by dog
If you have a story tweet @BuryTimes or @Heywoodharriet_ or email Harriet.Heywood@newsquest.co.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here