Residents were evacuated from a street and the surroundings due to the discovery of a set of artillery shells.

They were evacuated around Avocet Drive in Broadheath, Altrincham, at around midday today (November 2).

Nicki Connor said she discovered the set of artillery shells during a clear-out at the home of her dad, Daniel Edward Connor MBE, who died at the age of 78 on October 22.

Ms Connor told The Messenger he was a "war veteran" and a "weapons expert" during a career in the military.

Ms Connor said: "My dad's friend [Scott Sawyer] said to me I should see what is in the garden. I thought it might be an animal or something but there were four artillery shells. 

"As soon as I saw them I called the police so they've come down and and they've cordoned off all the area."

Ms Connor said: "He was a war veteran and a weapons expert in special ops which is why he has the MBE.

"They are searching the property as I did suspect there would be something in there but I did not suspect this."

(Image: Family) The Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) and the emergency services were around Avocet Drive all afternoon.

Mark Shippen, from Drake Road, said it was not common to see such a police presence on the street.

He said: "It is Altrincham so we never see anything like this. I've lived on Drake Road for 30 years and I've never seen anything like this."

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said there was a controlled explosion on Saturday and another controlled explosion on Sunday.

The second controlled explosion was as a result of "hazardous material" in one of the four artillery shells according to the spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police.

They said: "We thank the public for their patience during this work. Anyone with any concerns should speak to a police officer who will be able to assist with any queries."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.