ARRESTS AFTER ‘MACHETE’ DRAMA

POLICE HELICOPTER SWOOPS ON TOWN CENTRE AFTER WEAPONS SEEN

Six people have been arrested after a disturbance in Ashford town centre which allegedly involved a “rusty machete”.

The police helicopter was seen circling the area at about 2.20pm on Tuesday.

Officers had been called to County Square at 1.30pm to reports of a group of people seen carrying weapons.

Following a search of the area, a 26-year-old man from London, four 17-year-old boys and an 18-year-old man, all from Ashford, were arrested on suspicion of affray and were taken into custody.

All those arrested are believed to be known to each other.

Police say three knives were found and seized by officers.

One shopper said she was eating at Warrens Bakery in the shopping centre when armed police entered.

Another said: “This guy was walking out of the centre towards Bank Street and turned to shout at a group of men.

“The other guys - there were four of them - had masks on and the security guards in the centre saw they had knives.

“When they walked past me I saw one had a rusty machete, it was completely on show.”

No one was injured during the incident.

Superintendent Simon Thompson said: “We take robust action against those involved in threatening behaviour and those who cause fear in our communities.

“Patrols will remain in the town centre as part of their daily duties, should anyone wish to provide further information regarding the disturbance.

“They will also continue to carry out stop and search procedures as appropriate.”

Anyone with information should call 01843 222289, quoting 46/21923/20.

■ A separate incident a day before the town centre disturbance saw another police helicopter circling Ashford.

Officers were pursuing a car which was believed to have been stolen, following a sighting at 11.20pm on Monday.

South Willesborough residents were perturbed by the sound of a helicopter hovering low over houses from 12.20am until about 1.30am.

The car - reportedly taken on January 31 - was later found abandoned in the Newtown area.

Picture: Andy Clark Police cars were seen in the town on Tuesday - including this one in North Street

Picture: Andy Clark The police helicopter circled above Ashford on Tuesday afternoon

Witnesses said they saw armed police in County Square near Warrens Bakery