Three people were arrested in the same night in Tameside for carrying knives. 

It came during a national week of intensification to tackle knife crime called Operation Spectre, which has seen robust action taken by Greater Manchester Police. 

The arrests took place on Friday (18 November), and all three were taken in to police custody for questioning.

Officers from GMP Tameside Division made the first arrest of the evening in response to reports of a knife point robbery at 8pm on Market Place in Hyde. Fortunately, the victim was not injured in the encounter, and a 17-year-old suspect was rapidly detained by officers out on patrol. He was arrested on suspicion of robbery and possessing a bladed weapon.

It was followed by a successful stop and search at approximately 9pm on Copeland Street, Hyde. It came about after a member of the public provided intelligence that a 16-year-old male had discarded an item later discovered to be a knife. The suspect was pursued, detained and arrested by officers in the area.

The final arrest was at approximately 11:30pm on Birch Lane in Dukinfield. A 33-year-old man was arrested following an incident at the Wheatsheaf pub which left another man with serious injuries that were not life-threatening or life-changing. A knife was also recovered from the scene.

Chief Superintendent Phil Davies, Tameside District Commander, said: “The vigilance of Tameside officers in supporting Operation Sceptre has resulted in three positive arrests for carrying knives in public places in one night, one of which was linked to a nearby report of a robbery, and another to an incident at a public house. GMP are committed to reducing both the presence of weapons on our streets, but also the fear of violence that our communities suffer due to the actions of a small minority who have yet to recognise the intolerance we all have for their actions."

To report an incident to GMP, call 101 or talk via LiveChat at www.gmp.police.uk. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Reports and concerns can also be made anonymously through CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.fearless.org. 

People with a knife or weapon are being urged to surrender it at one of 13 Forever Amnesty bins located across Greater Manchester. You can find the location of your nearest bin here.

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