Trafford Officer Tackles Gunman

A Manchester police man has been praised for tackling an armed assailant who threatened to shoot his colleague.

The officer responded to a call for assistance after a fellow police man, who had been called to a disturbance at a pub on Lytham Road in Flixton, was threatened with a gun yesterday afternoon.

Both officers managed to overpower the gunman before anyone could be injured.

A gun was recovered and later found to be a blank-firing pistol.

The 60-year-old suspect was taken into police custody for questioning last night.

He was arrested on suspicion of drink driving, assault and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear.

Inspector Edward Birch said both officers were extremely brave to tackle the man, despite him threatening to shoot.

"I'm sure it was a very frightening experience and at that point they had no idea the gun could only fire blanks as it was a very convincing replica," he said.

"They were risking their lives to protect the public and their courage and bravery should be commended."

Inspector Birch added: "This sort of incident highlights the very real dangers police face every day, and the lengths officers will go to tackle offenders and keep innocent members of the public safe, even if it means putting their own well-being in jeopardy."

(PR/BMcc)