Armed police scrambled and cordon in place after man with 'gun' spotted

Armed police were scrambled to Bolton this morning after reports of a man with a suspected gun.

The 'vulnerable male' was spotted with the weapon on Mary Street West in Horwich at around 8.25am this morning, police said. Specialist officers were deployed to the scene.

He was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences and the weapon was recovered. He is now being assessed in hospital.

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No injuries were reported. A police cordon is now in place at the scene, with part of the Horwich Memorial Gardens reportedly taped off.

In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said: "At around 8:25am this morning (Thursday 10 August 2023), officers were called to reports of a vulnerable male with a suspected firearm on Mary Street West in Horwich, Bolton. Emergency services and specialist firearms officers were deployed to the scene.

"Firearms officers were able to safely detain the male with the use of a plastic baton round and a weapon was recovered. He has been arrested on suspicion of firearms offences but is being assessed at hospital as a precaution.

"No significant injuries were reported, and the scene will remain in place while officers conduct further enquiries."

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Our reporter Chris is in Horwich and reports the cordon has been lifted now.

Police have left the scene.

In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said:

"At around 8:25am this morning