'There were anti- terrorist units - it was a bit scary'

Residents' reactions after police swoop on quiet street

- BY KIT ROBERTS

A CORDON surrounding a house which was targeted by police and SAS soldiers in raids on May 3 has been removed after five days.

Investigators were present at the address for several days with Greater Manchester Police maintaining a cordon around the location on East Street in Rochdale.

It was one of three locations which were targeted in raids in Greater Manchester alongside Heathbank Road in Stockport and another undisclosed location.

Three people in total were arrested in Greater Manchester, while two others were arrested in coordinated raids in London and Swindon.

Officers remained at the scene for five days after dramatic images showed masked special forces personnel detaining a man outside the property.

The cordon has now been removed from the street.

Following the raid, one neighbour told the Observer: "I heard the noise but I didn't know what it was. My son came downstairs and said there was a load of police outside, then we realised there was a big incident going on.

"Down the back there was all anti-terrorist units with guns and wearing masks. It was a bit scary."

Some residents in the quiet area applauded the operation's success, saying: "They can carry on and do it another time if it helps people, that's what it's all about."