Three teenagers and a 40-year-old man have been arrested after an "altercation" involving knives in Bury, with police extending stop and search powers again.

At 8.40pm last night, Thursday, an incident "involving a group of males with knives" took place on Parkhills Road.

Police say an "altercation" took place and officers were called but no injuries were caused.

A 40-year-old man and three 16-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and remain in police custody for questioning.

A Section 60 authority, which grants police powers to search people in relation to criminal investigations, was put in place in Bury on Thursday and has now been extended for a further 24 hours.

The Section 60 authority, which was due to end at 2pm today, Friday, will end at 2pm on Saturday, March 16.

The stop and search powers were first rolled out after a triple stabbing outside Bury Market on Monday. 

This was followed by another incident at Whitefield Tram stop on Wednesday night, in which an "offender lunged at someone with a knife." 

Officers believe that these incidents are linked.

The Section 60 will covers areas of the town centre, Whitefield, and the Metrolink lines to help prevent any further incidents.

Bury Times: Section 60 'stop and search' powers have been extended in BurySection 60 'stop and search' powers have been extended in Bury (Image: GMP)

The entire Metrolink lines include stations and surroundings at Bury, Radcliffe, Whitefield, Besses, Prestwich, Heaton Park and Bowker Vale.

Superintendent Mike Walsh from Greater Manchester Police's Bury district said: “We have taken the decision to extend the Section 60 due to a further incident taking place yesterday evening.

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“While we appreciate that local members of the community who live and work in the area will be concerned, we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible to justice.

“We are trying to establish why these incidents have happened, when we have an update to provide more of a comment, we will.

“Please be assured that there will be continued police presence in the above areas, these officers are here to keep you safe. If you have any concerns or questions, they will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to any of your queries.”

Greater Manchester Police is appealing to anyone with information about this incident to make a report to police.

This includes anyone who may have relevant footage including CCTV, mobile, Ring doorbell or dashcam. You can make a report by calling 101, quoting 1338 of 11/03/2024.

Alternatively, you can make a report anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.