A significant cordon has been established near Stockport railway station, with train services cancelled and a bomb disposal unit called following reports of a “suspicious” incident.

Police, fire crews, and paramedics are currently on Greek Street in Stockport, where a 200-metre cordon has been set up while emergency teams work at the scene. The focus of the incident is a footbridge at the station, with all trains currently unable to call at Stockport. It is believed that emergency crews were responding to reports of a “suspicious item.”

Witnesses at the scene have reported that several homes on Greek Street are now being evacuated and adjacent streets have been closed off. It's also been reported that Stockport station has now been evacuated as well as a precaution.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “Just before 6pm this evening (Tuesday, 4th November), firefighters were called to reports of a suspicious item on Greek Street in Stockport. Two fire engines from Stockport and Whitehill fire stations, as well as the technical rescue unit from Ashton fire station, are currently at the scene where a suitcase has been left on the footbridge by Stockport railway station. Firefighters are working with Greater Manchester Police and Network Rail to make the area safe as they await the arrival of the bomb disposal unit. There is currently a 200m cordon around the scene and trains to and from Stockport station have been halted until further notice.”

National Rail issued a statement confirming the disruption: "Due to emergency services dealing with an incident at Stockport, all lines are blocked. As a result, trains running through Stockport may be cancelled, delayed by up to 30 minutes or revised." They also currently advise that disruption is expected until 22:00.

Passengers have been advised to check for updates with their train operators and allow extra travel time, as the situation remains ongoing and emergency services continue to assess the scene.

At around 20:45 the lines appear to have reopened through the station and trains are now moving again but disruption is now expected until the end of the day. Internal railway messaging suggests there is nothing untoward with the suitcase which was confirmed later by Greater Manchester Police with the following statement:

"Along with the EOD and other emergency services, we have been dealing with an incident on Greek Street in Stockport this evening after reports of a 'suspicious' item on a bridge.

Fortunately, the 'device' has been examined and found to be an empty suitcase, and the cordons are being lifted. Thanks for everyone's patience."

Image: Manchester Evening News