Police offer reassurance after armed man is arrested at Royal Oldham hospital

Armed officers, together with the Police Helicopter and NWAS, responded to the Royal Oldham Hospital shortly after 5:30pm last night

An armed man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap following a dramatic police operation at the Royal Oldham hospital yesterday (Tuesday).

A statement on the GMP Oldham Central Facebook page read: "Earlier today (Tuesday, August 30, 2022) at around 4:30pm we received a number of reports about an initial incident on Grisebeck Way in Oldham.

"This was regarding a concern for the welfare of a man.

"Armed officers, together with the Police Helicopter and NWAS then responded to the Royal Oldham Hospital shortly after 5:30pm following additional intelligence relating to the same male.

"The incident has been contained with no injuries reported and no direct threat to the public in the immediate area.

"Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and an active investigation is taking place but the 31-year-old man, who was armed, has been safely detained and arrested on suspicion of kidnap."

Chief Inspector Mark Allinson from GMP said: “Shortly before 5:30pm today we were called to the Royal Oldham Hospital following reports of a male in possession of bladed weapons who had gained access to a car outside the main Accident and Emergency entrance.

“Specialist armed officers arrived quickly and were able to safely take control of the situation which was brought to a swift conclusion.

"There is no risk to the wider public and there is no ongoing disruption at the Royal Oldham Hospital.

"This was an isolated incident and a 31-year-old male has been arrested as enquiries continue.”

Anyone who has any details or information regarding this incident that may help police is asked to call 101 quoting log number 2367 of the 30/08/22.

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