A police helicopter also hovered over the city.
Armed police in Rochdale during a pursuit(Image: Facebook)
Armed officers stormed Rochdale and a police helicopter hovered above after a man was spotted with a “gun”. Greater Manchester Police say they were pursuing a car from Heywood this afternoon (September 10).
The force received information that there was a “potential firearm” inside the vehicle. Witnesses reported seeing the chase heading towards Rochdale.
Armed police were seen in Manchester Road, Queensway, Bolton Road and Holborn Street. Police stopped the car and arrested the man on suspicion of possession of a firearm, dangerous driving and failure to stop.
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Police are now working to determine whether the “potential firearm” is a viable weapon. GMP say the investigation is ongoing but are trying to reassure the public that the incident was “isolated”.
A GMP spokesman said: “Officers pursued a suspicious vehicle in the Heywood area shortly after midday after receiving information about a potential firearm inside the vehicle. The vehicle was stopped and a man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm, dangerous driving and failure to stop.
“He remains in custody and inquiries continue to establish whether the weapon recovered is viable. This is an isolated incident and does not pose a wider risk to the community.”