Man detained under Mental Health Act after hospital A&E 'kidnap' arrest

A man arrested on suspicion of kidnap by armed officers outside the Royal Oldham Hospital's accident and emergency department has been detained under the Mental Health Act, police have confirmed. The 31-year-old was held after a dramatic swoop by specialist police on Tuesday evening.

In a statement on the night, Greater Manchester Police said the man was 'in possession of bladed weapons' and had 'gained access to a car outside the entrance to A&E.

He was said to have been 'detained safely' after specialist armed response officers were scrambled to the scene and there were no reports of any injuries.

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The hospital alert followed an earlier incident at an address nearby - and police said they attended the hospital 'following intelligence relating to the same male'. The force had received reports of concerns for the welfare of a man following a reported incident on Grisebeck Way, Oldham.

Now it's been confirmed the man has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

In a statement on Friday, Greater Manchester Police said: "Following the incident at the Royal Oldham Hospital on Tuesday 30 August 2022, police can confirm that a 31-year-old man has now been detained under the Mental Health Act." He hasn't been named and no further details have been revealed.

Chief Inspector Mark Allinson, from Greater Manchester Police, said on Tuesday: "Shortly before 5.30pm today we were called to the Royal Oldham Hospital following reports of a male in possession of bladed weapons who had gained access to a car outside the main Accident & Emergency entrance.

"Specialist armed officers arrived quickly and were able to safely take control of the situation which was brought