A SENIOR off-duty police officer has thanked members of the public who offered assistance as he tackled a youth armed with a knife on Chester Road, Warrington, last night.
The incident happened at 8pm last night (Dec 8) when Chief Superintendent Jon Betts was driving along Chester Road when he saw a teenager in the road with a knife acting in manner which was causing concern.
The officer alerted police colleagues then subsequently seized the knife. He then arrested the teenager and with the help of two people restrained him until officers arrived.
The 17-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of affray, possession of a bladed article, criminal damage to a number of vehicles and later, police assault, and racially aggravated public order.
Chief Superintendent Betts said: “You’re never off duty as an officer and always have community safety at the forefront of your mind.
“There were a lot of people around at the time, some of whom offered their assistance. So I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them.”