Greater Manchester town centre partially closed as explosive device used in attempted robbery

A Greater Manchester town centre has been partially closed by police following an attempted robbery. The incident took place on Hereford Street in Sale in the early hours of this morning, and Greater Manchester police has said no arrests have been made as of yet. 

The police believe that an explosive device was used by the suspects to gain entry into the premises. No injuries were reported at the scene, but the affected area remains closed off this morning. GMP believe the device was used in an attempt to get into a cash machine.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “At around 2.50am this morning (Monday November 20) Greater Manchester Police were called to reports of an attempted robbery at a premises on Hereford Street, Sale. It’s believed that the suspects used an explosive device to gain access to a cash machine.

“Colleagues from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) also attended the scene, thankfully no injuries were reported. A scene remains in place which is likely to impact local businesses and travel in the area for the duration of the morning. No arrests have been made at this stage but police are following a number of lines of enquiry.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “A just before 3am this morning (Monday November 20) three fire engines from Sale, Stretford, and Altrincham fire stations supported colleagues from Greater Manchester Police with an incident on Hereford Street, Sale. Crews were in attendance for around four hours.”