People have been evacuated from houses and businesses in Ramsbottom after a 'homemade explosive device' was found by police.

A cordon is currently in place on William Street in Stubbins and several streets have been sealed off.

The device was discovered by police following a pre-planned raid this morning (Wednesday).

Bomb disposal experts have been drafted in.

A number of homes and businesses have been evacuated and rest centres set up at the Rostron Arms pub, at Edenfield, and Haslingden Sports Centre on Helmshore Road.

Supt Stasia Osiowy, of Lancashire Police, said: “We have evacuated a number of properties as a precautionary measure but there is not believed to be any immediate threat. We will endeavour to return people to their homes as soon as possible.”

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of manufacturing explosive devices and are currently in custody.

Enquiries are ongoing, the force said.

The Manchester Evening News' sister site LancsLive is also covering this breaking incident.

We'll bring you the latest in the live blog below.