Officers on a routine patrol discovered a huge weapon being carried after two people raised the alarm. Police were monitoring Bury Interchange on Sunday (December 29) as part of Operation Heartbeat, which focuses on crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
While in the area, two members of the public told officers they had seen someone carrying a sword. Greater Manchester Police says officers tracked down the offender just outside of the town centre.
He was searched and found to be carrying a sword which was 29 inches in length. Officers arrested the suspect, who was taken to police custody.
A spokesperson for GMP Bury posted on Facebook: “Officers have been out and about in the town centre today [Sunday] on Operation Heartbeat, during their tour of duty they’ve engaged with multiple members of the public have conducted some targeted patrols in hotspot areas. Whilst in the Bury interchange two concerned members of the public reported to officers that they had seen a male in possession of a sword, following a short area search a male was located just outside of the town centre with a sword in his possession measuring 29inches in length!
“He will be be bringing the new year in with a stay in custody! If you have any concerns or know of anyone who carries a weapon, let us know via 101, 999 or anonymously via CrimeStoppers. Knives and the possession of weapons never have a happy ending, working together we can make your streets a safer place!”