Rugeley man arrested after knives were found following a stop-and-search

Officers were called to Brook Square at around 1.20pm today (February 20) after a member of the public told a local PSCO that a man was in possession of a knife.

A 51-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being in possession of a bladed article in public.

The Force said it acted quickly and recovered two knives following a search and the man remains in custody. 

Olivia Payne, aged 24, an office worker from Walsall, said she was on her lunch break with colleagues at about 1.20pm when they saw the drama unfolding in front of their eyes.

She said: "We'd come down the alley into Brook Square when we saw a PCSO holding really big knife in his hand. The police officer had the guy in handcuffs.

"As we walked past, a police car with blue lights flashing came tearing down the street. By the time we bought our food at Greggs and came back outside there was a second police car there.

"There was probably about half a dozen officers round the man and they searched him. 

"I heard someone else say the officers found more than one knife on him.

"It was a bit a shock because Rugeley generally tends to be a quiet place in the day time when I'm here."

A spokesperson for Staffordshire Police said: "We’re continuing to have a visible presence in the town centre and respond to any concerns from members of the public as robustly as possible.

"If you’re worried about something in your area, speak to local officers or contact us by calling 101 or using Live Chat on our website.

"To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."