Man arrested after suspicious substances found during raid in Horwich, near Bolton, and six flats evacuated as a precaution

Several homes have been evacuated in the north-west of England after suspicious substances were found during a raid involving anti-terror police.

Residents in six flats were asked to leave the area around Cheriton Gardens and Ormston Avenue in Horwich, near Bolton, after a 10am raid on two houses.

Greater Manchester police said officers had executed search warrants as part of an investigation into the possession and distribution of indecent images. A 38-year-old man from Horwich was arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent images and on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000, specifically possessing information likely to be useful for a person committing or preparing for acts of terrorism and offences under the Explosives Act.

The raids were supported by officers from the north-west counter-terrorism unit. Police said the flats had been evacuated as a precaution while the suspicious substances were examined. A cordon was in place and residents and motorists were advised to avoid the area.