Lea Gate Road in Bolton
Lea Gate Road in Bolton

Residents were forced to flee their homes after a suspected bomb exploded in a home in Bolton.

Police rushed to the scene where a man had suffered serious hand injuries in the lunchtime blast on Sunday.

Bomb squad officers evacuated neighbouring properties in Lea Gate.

A search of the property was mounted for other explosive devices, but none was found.

A 26-year-old man, who was also arrested on suspicion of causing an explosion likely to endanger life or property, was treatedf for injuries in hospital.

Greater Manchester Police said his injuries were not life threatening, and he remains in a stable condition.

Police moved to quell residents' concerns. DCI Sarah Jackson said: "I appreciate that given the nature of this incident and the impact it had on those living on Lea Gate there will be some concern among residents, but I want to reiterate that this was an isolated incident and there was not and is not any threat to the wider community.

"We are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to this incident and if anyone has any information that can assist I would urge them to get in touch."