Man in boxer shorts brandished machete
A MAN seen wandering the streets in boxer shorts brandishing a machete was having a ‘drug-induced episode,’ police have said.
Officers were forced to use a Taser to detain the suspect – who was reportedly drenched in blood.
Terrified residents dialled 999 after seeing the man walking around Flixton during the morning.
Police said they received more than 20 calls about the incident, with witnesses reporting him as behaving in an ‘extremely aggressive manner,’ causing damage to vehicles and waving the machete around.
Patrols were sent to the scene, and officers soon found the man, who was holding the blade to his throat. He was also said to have had blood on his arms and upper body.
A spokesman for GMP Trafford North said that because of the way he was acting, officers had to use a Taser to detain him.
He was then taken to hospital for treatment and a mental health assessment, and doctors said his behaviour had been the result of a drug-induced episode.
GMP Trafford posted an update on their Facebook page about the incident.
It said: “On the morning of August 11, we received over 20 calls from the public regarding a seminaked male running in the street carrying what appeared to be a large machete blade.
“The male was first seen on Delamere Road with further calls received placing the male walking around the Flixton area acting in an extremely aggressive manner, causing damage to vehicles and waving the machete threateningly.
“The male, in his 40s, was eventually located wearing just boxer shorts, brandishing a large machete blade and holding it to his throat.
“Officers could see blood on the male’s arms and upper torso.
“Due to the male’s demeanour and actions, officer’s subdued the male by the use of Taser.
“He was placed under Section 136 and conveyed to hospital for medical treatment and a mental health assessment.
“He was cleared of any mental health issues and his behaviour was down to a drug-induced episode.
“The male has since been charged with possession of a bladed article in public, and criminal damage.”