Police in Bolton responded to reports of a man carrying a gun near a pub on Easter Sunday, only to discover the alleged weapon was a stick. Officers rushed to the area around the Beehive pub on Chorley New Road at approximately 12:30pm on April 5 after receiving calls about a male with a firearm.
A man in his 40s was detained on suspicion of possession of a firearm. However, Greater Manchester Police later confirmed that the item was deemed non-viable and that the man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm.
A police spokeswoman said: 'Earlier today at around 12:30pm, officers responded to reports of a male with a firearm on Chorley Old Road, Bolton. One man, aged in his 40s, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm and the item has been deemed non-viable.'
Staff at the Beehive pub declined to comment when approached by the Manchester Evening News.
