Riot van and huge police presence descend after men 'fight with knives'

This was the moment riot police closed in on a residential street after men were seen 'fighting with knives'. Police are continuing to investigate a disturbance on Glebe Street, in Leigh, at around 6.40pm on Saturday (March 30).

A tactical aid unit van was among Greater Manchester Police's response at the scene. David Bray, 55, says he saw eight police cars as well as the riot van as officers responded to the commotion.

"There’s normally not that much trouble, but I’ve got a thick front door and a dog," he told the Manchester Evening News. "It’s normally quiet.”

READ MORE: Scene of devastation after FIVE parked cars wiped out in dramatic crash

GMP slapped a Section 60 order on Glebe Street and the surrounding area following the incident. It meant officers had stronger powers to carry out stop-searches, until 10am yesterday (Sunday).

The incident sparked concern among Leigh residents on social media. Commenting on the local GMP Facebook page, one person wrote: "I really worry for my son and his family on this street."

On the M.E.N.'s Facebook page, one reader said: "This is getting worse in Leigh hearing knife crime too often now." On Glebe Street, a 50-year-old resident told the M.E.N.: "They do come out when it’s sunny. There’s a lot of crowding; people congregate."

But others were 'quite shocked' and described Glebe Street as a 'quiet area', with one neighbour adding: "It’s usually alright. I’ve never had any problems and we’ve lived here a few years.

"We knew there was stuff in the news but we’ve never had any issues.” GMP says 'extensive investigation work' has been taking place following the incident, while additional patrols were deployed in the area.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of threats with