Police in Redditch have been out on patrol to reassure the community following an incident yesterday (Thursday 2 May) involving a man initially believed to be holding a knife.

We received a report around midday of a man seen in the Colts Lane area of Winyates. Officers attended the scene and arrested a man. Nobody was threatened or injured.

We can now confirm that the man was carrying a piece of copper pipe with a folded end which may have appeared to look like a knife, but it was not a bladed article.

Officers from Redditch Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have been out patrolling the area, speaking to witnesses, and liaising with a nearby school.

Safer Neighbourhood Chief Inspector for North Worcestershire, David King, said: “We would like to thank the public for their patience and reassure them this was an isolated incident. A man was quickly located and arrested following concerns he was holding a knife.

“Members of the public may notice an increased police presence in this area as we seek to reassure the community and continue our investigation.

“We can confirm that the man was carrying a piece of copper pipe with a folded end which may have appeared to look like a knife, but it was not a bladed article.”

“We would like to appeal for witnesses to come forward to assist our enquiries calling 01905 694243 and quoting reference 166i of May 2.”

JI, Corporate Communications