two arrests after ‘men with guns’ seen in street
ARMED police were deployed to a row of shops in Cheetham Hill after reports of two men with guns in the street.
The force helicopter circled above Bury New Road as 50 officers, some armed, searched for the suspects.
It is believed police were called to a report two men with guns were walking to and from a car and a property on Lockett Street.
They were then reportedly arrested in a car but when officers searched the men and the vehicle, no guns were initially found.
Two men, a 38-year-old and 42-year-old, remain in police custody after being held on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Police have not confirmed if any weapons have since been recovered.
Part of Lockett Street, a small road lined with warehouses and shops off Bury New Road, was closed off by police following the incident, yesterday afternoon. Eyewitnesses saw officers from the Tactical Aid Unit storm a shop inside the cordon.
About 14 police cars and vans were spotted on the scene, which provoked concern among members of the public.
Eyewitness Hasib Sayed was on the street when he saw police arrive at about 1pm.
He said: “I was shopping and then loads of police arrived and I could see the police helicopter above us.
“There were around 14 police cars and vans and around 50 police officers. Around 10 of them had guns. It was a big shock.”
A police spokeswoman said: “We were called at 12.45pm to Lockett Street to reports of two armed men.
“An NPAS police helicopter was also called. We have attended and arrested two men at the scene.
“A 42-year-old and a 38-year-old man remain in police custody on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.”
Anyone with further information is urged to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.