Man arrested after emergency services respond to 'concern for welfare'

A man was arrested in Atherton last night after emergency services responded to a 'concern for welfare' report.

Police, including tactical aid unit officers, fire crews and paramedics were called to George Street at around 3pm yesterday (Monday) following reports of concern for the welfare of a man at an address. Local residents said a wide area which included all of George Street, off Mealhouse Lane as well as Rosedale Avenue and Water Street, was cordoned off.

The Manchester Evening News understands a police negotiator was deployed. In an update issued this morning, police said a 53-year-old man was arrested on the scene.

READ MORE: Man accused of being 'high level' drug dealer found with body armour, CS gas and machete, trial hears

READ MORE: Emergency services swarm street with large cordon put in place due to 'concern for welfare' of man

He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a residence. As the incident unfolded yesterday, one resident said on social media that she was 'stuck' inside her bungalow with officers not allowing her outside her gates whilst it was ongoing.

Another resident who lives on Alma Street said he got home from work at 5.30pm to find police had blocked off all the streets surrounding his house. “I saw a fire engine, tactical aid unit, ambulance, police vans and police cars" he said.

Another neighbour, who has lived in the area for 40 years, said police have attended the blocks of flats in the area 'quite a bit lately'. She said: “The police have been there a lot with an ambulance but today was massive.

"There was the fire brigade and tactical team. We did wonder what it was.”

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: "At approximately 3pm yesterday (Monday 23 October