‘No direct reports’ about knifeman on Blackburn Road, Bolton

This is despite local speculation that a man with a knife had been seen walking along Blackburn Road in Astley Bridge over recent days.

Officers say that they have been to the area to reassure people but they have not found anyone who seems to match the description of a suspicious knifeman.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports that a suspicious male, allegedly with a knife had been sighted on Blackburn Road, Bolton, earlier today.

“We can confirm that nothing has been directly reported to us, nor has any suspicious behaviour been identified.

“Officers who have attended the area for reassurance have additionally not located anyone.”

The Bolton News understands that children were brought indoors at nurseries along Blackburn Road to make sure that they were safe when reports circulated in the area.

But no one is believed to have been in any danger.

Members of the public with any information or concerns can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.