A man has been arrested after reportedly brandishing a machete in Cullyhanna in an incident widely shared on social media.
Police say officers from the A Section Local Policing Team in Ardmore responded on Saturday (April 25) morning to reports from members of the public of a male armed with a machete in the south Armagh village.
The man was described as being “covered in blood” and displaying “aggressive and erratic behaviour”.
A PSNI spokesperson said one crew of two officers arrived on scene within five minutes of the initial call and, with the help of two members of the public, were able to detain the suspect and secure the weapon until further backup arrived.
Footage of part of the incident has been circulating on social media, appearing to show officers and members of the public restraining a man on the street.
Police have praised the actions of the two men who intervened.
“Police would like to give a huge thank you to these two men for their actions who bravely prevented our officers from being seriously hurt and helped protect the rest of their community,” the spokesperson said.
An image of the machete. Photo: PSNI Newry
The man was arrested on suspicion of a number of public order, weapon and drug offences and remains in police custody at this time.
Describing the incident as “a great example of police and the community working together to keep communities safe”, the PSNI have urged the public to continue to report any similar concerns immediately via 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency.
