A father in his 40s was surrounded by armed police in Mandley Park, Salford, after being mistaken for a potential threat due to his weighted gym vest and skipping rope. The incident occurred at around 11.52am on Friday, prompting a swift response from Greater Manchester Police (GMP) amid concerns from the local Jewish community.
The man, who moved from Albania to the UK 25 years ago, said he was terrified when officers shouted at him to lie down. He recalled hearing one officer say 'shoot him if he moves'. He complied with instructions, was handcuffed, and taken to a police station where he was held for a few hours before being released without charge.
GMP later confirmed it was a false alarm, stating the man was wearing a weighted gym vest and carrying a skipping rope while exercising. The force said there was no threat to the wider community and no further action would be taken.
The man, who has type 2 diabetes and a heart condition, said he wears the vest on his doctor's advice to manage his weight. He expressed understanding for the police response, saying 'it's better safe than sorry', and praised officers for their professionalism. The area is home to a large Jewish community, and the incident occurred about a mile from a synagogue attack last October.
The Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester thanked police for their swift response, while the man noted that such misunderstandings can happen and bore no ill will.
