ARMED GANG GO ON RAMPAGE IN CITY STREET

MEN ‘ARMED WITH ‘BLADED WEAPONS’ ISSUED THREATS AND DAMAGED PROPERTY

POLICE are hunting an armed gang who terrorised a city street by threatening families and damaging property.

The gang were carrying what police describe as ‘bladed weapons.’

Officers received ‘multiple reports of disturbances’ in Nash Peake Street in Tunstall on Saturday afternoon.

Armed officers were sent to the scene and police have now stepped up patrols in that part of the city.

Officers searched the area following the ‘serious disorder’ at just after 3pm but no arrests were made at the scene. Detectives are now asking for help to trace the men and a white vehicle in which they escaped.

Last night as residents spoke of their fear following the trouble, police arrested a 26-year-old woman as part of the investigation.

A police spokesman said: “Officers are appealing for witnesses who can provide details about a white vehicle involved in a disturbance in Tunstall on Saturday afternoon or more information on those involved.

“Police were called to multiple reports of disturbances involving a number of people armed with bladed weapons on Nash Peake Street at around 3.10pm. Those involved are believed to have threatened residents and caused damage to buildings before fleeing in a white vehicle. Armed police attended but following an area search no suspects were identified.

“Increased patrols are now in the area to provide reassurance.”

■ Anyone who has any information about the attack is asked to contact Staffordshire Police, quoting incident number 418 of April 17, by calling 101.