A CONTROLLED explosion was carried out by police in the early hours of this morning, Saturday.

Cheshire Police officers and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended an address on Cleveland Road in Orford around 12.40am after receiving reports of a 'suspicious package' at the scene.

Force Incident Manager Inspector James Wilson said: "Residents in neighbouring properties were temporarily evacuated before the EOD team arrived to remove the package and carry out a controlled detonation nearby."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have also been in attendance on Cleveland Road this afternoon, Saturday, with a mobile crane being used.

No explanation has been provided about why the crane has been in operation.  

Police patrols have also increased in the area while an investigation into the incident is ongoing.

If you have any information about the incident contact the police on 101.