Town centre shops go on LOCKDOWN as cops hunt down 'gang armed with machete'

This was the moment cops bravely stepped in to detain a machete-wielding man on the loose in Greater Manchester. Police received 'several reports from members of the public' about a group of men armed with the weapon in Wigan town centre yesterday afternoon (May 9).

The 'frightening' ordeal forced some businesses to shut down for their safety, Greater Manchester Police says. Officers chased one suspect through the town centre before arresting him at the bus station on suspicion of being in possession of a bladed article.

Two further men, believed to be linked to the incident, were also arrested nearby on Frog Lane, on suspicion of being in possession of an offensive weapon. GMP says two knives have been recovered and all three men remain in custody this morning (Friday).

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Inspector Sam Davies, from GMP's Wigan district, said: “This was a really frightening incident for the public, with local shops making the decision to lockdown for their safety. Thankfully, no members of the public were injured, and I am pleased to say all of our officers are safe.

"They unhesitatingly put themselves in harm’s way, and through their brave actions, all of the individuals we believe to have been involved were quickly arrested. I would also like to extend my thanks to a member of the public that sought to assist one officer in detaining a suspect at Wigan Bus Station. If they are reading this I would urge them to make contact so I could thank them in person for their actions.

"Additional officers remain in the area to provide reassurance to the public. If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to speak to them; they are there to help you.”