Homes taped off as forensics search building on a UK town street

Police have taped off a UK street with forensics investigators searching a building. Officers descended on Queens Road, Ashton-under-Lyne, on Tuesday morning.

Specialist Greater Manchester Police officers are working at the scene and two Tactical Aid Unit (TAU) vans are in attendance, alongside crime scene investigators. A Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service vehicle is also in attendance at the scene. Officers reportedly appear to be searching inside a building, close to Fern Lodge Driver.

A number of homes have also been taped off near to the building, according to Manchester Evening News (MEN) which reports a car has been removed from the scene on Queens Road.

Officers are believed to have been on the scence since before sunrise, with an eyewitness telling the MEN that police were already there before they arrived at 7am. Forensic officers and at least one firefighter have been seen searching upstairs at a property.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "Officers, alongside emergency service colleagues at GMFRS and NWAS, executed a planned warrant at an address on Queens Road in Ashton-under-Lyne this morning (Tuesday 19 August).

A man and a woman were arrested on suspicion of producing class B drugs. They are in police custody.

Chemicals used in the production of class B drugs are being tested. Work is ongoing to secure the property. There is no wider risk to the public.