Two people arrested following report of group with weapons

We’ve arrested two men following reports of a group of people with weapons in Newcastle-under-Lyme.

At about 9.40pm on Monday (15 July), we received a report saying that the group were seen on Gordon Street.

Earlier reports of the same nature suggested the group were also seen on Coppice Avenue.

A hammer and a machete were seen.

Firearms officers searched the area but did not find anyone matching the description of the suspects.

No-one has been reported injured.

We’ve been progressing our enquiries this afternoon and have arrested two men:

• A 40-year-old man, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place
• Another man, aged 36, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, on suspicion of affray

Both remain in custody for questioning.

Officers are continuing to look at CCTV and carry out house-to-house enquiries this evening to find out more about what happened and reassure local residents.

Anyone with any information that can help us with our enquiries are asked to get in touch by calling 101, quoting incident 757 of 15 July, or by using Live Chat on our website.

To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.