‘Wanted’ man pulls ‘gun’ on police in Manchester city center after ‘attempting to steal from Tesco’

A man was arrested after he pointed a “gun” at officers while trying to run away, police said. Police were called to Quay Street in Manchester city center this afternoon after an alarm was raised at a business.

A man tried to steal items from a Tesco store before running off. Greater Manchester Police said the man was reported to have a weapon.

When officers arrived shortly after 12.15pm, the man “pointed a firearm at them in an attempt to evade capture”, the force said. The man, who is said to be over 30 years old, was arrested a short time later on suspicion of robbery; firearms offences; and because he was wanted on recall to prison.

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GMP said the gun later turned out to be an imitation firearm. The man is in police custody and will be questioned.

Assistant Chief Constable Rick Jackson from GMP said: “The officers who responded did a brilliant job, their quick and decisive actions ensured that a potentially dangerous person was apprehended. This is an isolated incident and although the gun we recovered was an imitation, at the time the responding officers should not have known this because up close it looked like a viable firearm.

“I am pleased to report that no members of the public or any of our officers were injured. Our job is to keep you safe and that’s why we have specialist officers patrolling hotspots across the force.

“Our aim is to build trust with those who live and work in Greater Manchester and I feel our actions today have gone a long way towards this.”