Man arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm or imitation firearm following Oldham town centre incident
Date published: 16 August 2023
Police officers attended the incident on Horsedge Street at around 3.30pm and closed off a number of roads, including Yorkshire Street and Bailey Street
A number of streets in Oldham town centre had to be closed yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) following reports that a man was sighted 'with a gun'.
Police officers attended the incident on Horsedge Street at around 3.30pm and closed off a number of roads, including Yorkshire Street and Bailey Street, with a police helicopter also circling the area overhead.
A witness reportedly said that there were a number of officers seen 'going in and out of an apartment' and also that police were 'guarding the entrance' to a building.
Two men have been arrested in connection with the incident, police have now said.
One man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of possessing a firearm or imitation firearm and another man, aged in his 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply.
Both remain in custody to be questioned.
Specialist officers reportedly remained in attendance into the evening, with extra patrols also introduced around the nearby area following the incident, something that police believe was 'isolated'.
Chief Inspector Abigail Cronin, of GMP’s Oldham District, said: “I would like to thank the public for their patience as a number of roads have been closed off whilst we respond.
"I would also like to offer reassurance that this being treated as an isolated incident which is being dealt with proactively by officers.
"We will continue to respond diligently to matters reported by our community in order to ensure that members of the public are kept safe from harm."
Anyone with information can contact police on 101 reporting incident number 2214 on 15/8/2023.
Calls can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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