Bomb scare at Ashton school ends after ‘WW2-style device’ found to be empty flare

Police have confirmed that a device discovered at a secondary school in Ashton-under-Lyne was non-viable after specialist officers determined it was an empty illumination flare.

Emergency services were called to Samuel Laycock High School on Friday morning following reports that a WW2-style explosive device had been brought into the building.

Greater Manchester Police officers arrived at the scene within minutes and, as a precaution, the school was advised to move pupils to a place of safety within the building. The measures did not require anyone to leave the premises.

The report was treated with the utmost seriousness, with Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialists deployed alongside other emergency services to assess the situation.

After carrying out a series of checks, EOD officers confirmed the item was an empty illumination flare and therefore non-viable.

The device was subsequently removed from the site by specialists and the scene has now been closed.

Police confirmed that all pupils and staff remained safe throughout the incident.

Chief Inspector Tim Rudd, who managed the response, reassured parents and the wider community following the scare.

He said: “I want to reassure parents, carers, and the wider community that this incident was taken extremely seriously.

“Officers responded swiftly, and all appropriate steps were taken to safeguard pupils and staff.

“We immediately deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal specialists, along with all other relevant emergency services.

“After carrying out the necessary checks, EOD confirmed the device to be non-viable.

“We understand that this incident may have caused concern, and I want to thank parents for their calmness and the school staff for their cooperation throughout our response.

“All pupils and staff are safe, and we are grateful for the support shown as we worked to bring the situation to a safe conclusion.”

The incident prompted a temporary police presence at the school while checks were carried out, but normal activity has now resumed following the removal of the item.