Man armed with a knife threatens passengers on tram to Bury and attacks a PCSO

He started making threats on the platform at Radcliffe Metrolink before boarding the tram to Bury, where he was tasered and arrested.

Author: Ellie LinfordPublished 7th Dec 2018

A knife brandishing man threatened Metrolink passengers and assaulted a PCSO in Bury.

Shortly after 10.35am today, Friday 7 December 2018, police were called to reports that a man armed with a knife was making threats on the Radcliffe Metrolink platform.

He then proceeded to board a tram to Bury and continued threatening passengers.

The man left the tram at Bury after assaulting a PCSO on patrol. She was taken to hospital for treatment for minor injuries.

He then fled on foot towards the Millgate shopping centre.

Officers immediately responded and a 30-year-old man was arrested on Bell Lane on suspicion of assault and affray. He remains in custody for questioning.

A Taser was deployed during the arrest and a knife and a screwdriver were recovered.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Superintendent Paul Walker, District Commander for Bury, said “I am aware that this incident will have caused concern to the community, particularly to those that witnessed any part of what happened.

“Thankfully officers were swiftly on the scene and able to prevent any members of the public from coming to harm.

“I would like to reassure people that we are treating this as an isolated incident but would urge any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 629 of 07/12/2018, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.