Armed officers stormed Rochdale while a police helicopter hovered above after a man was seen carrying a 'gun'. Greater Manchester Police says it pursued a car from Heywood earlier this afternoon (September 10).
The force had received a tip-off that a 'potential firearm' was inside the vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing the pursuit head into Rochdale.
Armed police on scene
Armed police were seen around Manchester Road, Queensway, Bolton Road and Holborn Street. Officers brought the car to a halt and arrested a man on suspicion of possession of a firearm, dangerous driving, and failing to stop.
Police are now working to establish if the 'potential firearm' is a viable weapon. GMP says enquiries are ongoing, while it has moved to reassure the community the incident was 'isolated'.
Police statement
A GMP spokesperson said: "Shortly after midday today, officers pursued a suspect vehicle in the Heywood area after receiving intelligence of a potential firearm within the car. The vehicle was stopped, and a man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, dangerous driving, and failing to stop."
"He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing to establish if the recovered weapon is viable. This is an isolated incident with no wider risk to the community."
