Summary
Armed police swarmed to a block of flats in Cheltenham this morning (Tuesday, April 28) after it was reported a man had been seen with a machete. The incident happened in the Pitman Road area at around 9.15am. It was reported to Gloucestershire Police that a man had been seen with a machete outside a block of flats.
Details
Armed police were deployed to the incident and arrived 12 minutes after the report was made. A cordon and road closures were put in place while officers searched for the man, who was located within an address a short time later. Police said a machete was also found within the property and was seized by officers, adding no one was injured during the incident.
A man from Cheltenham, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the incident and remains in police custody at this time. Police said that officers will be visible in the area on reassurance patrols. The cordon and road closures have now been lifted.
A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Police said: “Police were called to Pitman Road in Cheltenham at 9.15am today (Tuesday 28 April) following a report that a man had been seen in possession of a machete whilst outside a block of flats. “Armed officers arrived on the scene 12 minutes later and a cordon and road closures were put in place while officers searched for the man.
“The man was located within an address and detained a short time later. A machete was also found within the property and was seized by officers. “No-one was injured during the incident, and the cordon and road closures have now been lifted.
“A man aged in his 40s and from Cheltenham was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in connection with the incident and remains in police custody at this time. “Officers from Cheltenham Neighbourhood Policing Team will be visible in the area today conducting reassurance patrols.”