Police have closed the roads around Rochdale AFC 's stadium after a 'suspicious package' was discovered at the site.

It is understood they were called to the Spotland Stadium on Sandy Lane earlier this afternoon.

The club confirmed the stadium had been evacuated and the incident was being handled by GMP .

Sandy Lane, near the stadium, has been closed by police and bomb disposal officers have arrived at the stadium.

It said in a statement: "The club can confirm we have had to shut the stadium due to a police incident.

"All of the staff have been safely evacuated and the situation is now in the hands of Greater Manchester Police."

Nearby Supertots Day Nursery contacted parents asking them to pick their children up 'as soon as possible' after a suspicious package was found at the ground.

A post on Facebook read: "Unfortunately there has been a suspicious package found at Rochdale Football ground. The police are now closing the roads surrounding the area. Please can you arrange to have your child picked up as soon as possible."

Just after 4.30pm, it posted to say police had closed the main entrance to the nursery.

"We have now been informed that the roads surrounding the nursery are closing with immediate effect.

"Please could you arrange for your children to be picked up as soon as possible from the front door on the main road.

"Our main entrance has now been closed off."

Updates to follow.

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