A 26-year-old man has been arrested following a six-hour standoff with armed police at a massage parlour in Radcliffe, Bury. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to Stand Lane at approximately 2.15pm on Monday after reports of a disturbance involving a suspect with a blade.
Staff members managed to flee the Sunflower Massage premises before armed officers and counter-terrorism firearms units arrived, sealing off the area. Video footage showed officers aiming firearms at the building during the incident, which concluded with the suspect's arrest on suspicion of making threats with a bladed article.
The man remains in police custody for questioning, and the investigation is ongoing. GMP confirmed the incident was isolated and not related to counter-terrorism, despite the presence of specialist firearms officers.
Eyewitnesses reported that armed officers were positioned just yards from parents collecting children from nearby schools and nurseries. Frieda Ehsan, the landlady of the building, expressed relief that her tenant was safe, stating she had never experienced anything like this in her 24 years in the area.
Chief Inspector Andy Wright of GMP's Bury district reassured the public that the incident was isolated and that officers acted swiftly to manage any potential risk. He thanked the community for their patience and encouraged anyone with concerns to speak with local patrol officers.
