THE BODY of a man has been found in Great Lever. 

Emergency services were called to Woodvale Drive at around 12.30pm, today. 

Local residents were evacuated due to what is thought to be a gas leak and people were told to stay away from the area. 

Police, fire and the ambulance service all attended.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers are currently responding to a concern for the welfare of a man in Great Lever, Bolton.

"After the call came in around 12.30pm today, police sadly discovered the body of a man.

"Enquiries into the circumstances of his death are ongoing but it does not appear there are any suspicious circumstances.

"People in the local area have been evacuated due to what is thought to be a gas leak."

At around 1.30pm, police confirmed that the property had been made safe and people could return home.