Police believe they may have foiled a terror attack after making a ‘very serious’ discovery.

The Manchester Evening News has learnt from a senior police source that officers believe they may have thwarted a plot.

The bomb squad surrounded a house in Whitefield after reports suspicious items had been found at 11.24am on Monday.

It is understood no specific target has yet been identified, but discoveries made inside the property led to police being called and the subsequent operation. Police have told the Manchester Evening News they are not aware of any specific threat to local people or events taking place in Greater Manchester at this stage of the investigation.

The address on Victoria Avenue was taped off and a cordon put in place as well as road closures.

Residents in nearby houses were evacuated as a precaution and nearby Whitefield Community Primary School was put on lockdown until it was safe for pupils to leave.

A senior police source said the investigation had uncovered suspicious finds although these have not been disclosed.

The M.E.N’s source said: “It is very serious and very concerning. It is not absolutely certain yet, but we have probably foiled a plot.”

Two men, aged 23 and 24, have been arrested on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation, and instigation of acts of terrorism.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Two people remain in custody. Specialist detectives are doing everything they can to establish the facts.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

"We would like to stress that, at this stage of our investigation, we are not aware of any specific threat to local people or events taking place in Greater Manchester.

“We will of course provide updates when possible.”

A warrant for the arrested men’s continued detention was granted on Wednesday and it will expire on Monday.

The bomb disposal squad returned to the scene on Tuesday after further finds were made at the property.

(Image: Manchester Evening News)

Superintendent Rick Jackson, from GMP’s Bury borough, said: “We have to take all reports of this nature extremely seriously and always at the forefront of our mind is making sure our communities are safe.

“We are keeping an open mind in relation to this incident but in these circumstances we know the public would expect us to be thorough with our enquiries.

“I want to reassure people that we have specialist detectives investigating this report to establish the full facts.

“There will be lots of officers in the area and if you have any concerns then please speak to them and they will try and assist in any way they can.”