Two suspects carrying machetes arrested on Greater Manchester street

Two people were found carrying machetes following a lengthy police chase through Bolton. Greater Manchester Police says officers were responding to reports of male offenders riding motorbikes through the streets of Bolton while carrying weapons.

Officers from GMP's Specialist Operations team were sent out to tackle the issue earlier today (February 17). Eyewitnesses reported seeing several police cars on Albert Road, in Farnworth.

A helicopter was also seen above the area. GMP says the pursuit was eventually brought to a halt by using tactical contact on a motorbike.

GMP Traffic shared a photo on X of the bike stopped on Glynne Street, in Farnworth, with several officers and a police dog in attendance. Police searched the two suspects, before seizing machetes and drugs. The pair were arrested by police at the scene.

A GMP Traffic spokesperson said: "After recent reports of males riding around Bolton with weapons on motorbikes. Specialist Operations officers deployed to Bolton.

"A lengthy pursuit was brought to a safe conclusion with tactical contact on the motorbike. Drugs and machetes recovered with two males arrested."