A 65-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon following allegations a man threw down a small knife after being challenged for acting suspiciously near a primary school.

Officers were contacted at 2.20pm on Monday to reports a man had been seen on a public field at the rear of Merton Bank primary school.

The man was challenged by a member of the public and left the area.
As he did so, it is believed he discarded a small knife, add officers.

Superintendent Louise Harrison said: “None of the children or staff at the school were approached or spoken to by the man but a member of the public raised concern about this man, who was on a public field at the rear of the school.

“Neighbourhood officers regularly visit schools to work alongside teachers in giving children appropriate stranger danger advice.
“I would also like to reassure parents in the local community that we take all incidents of this nature extremely seriously, although they are thankfully rare.

"I would ask parents to continue to be vigilant and report any concerns they have over suspicious circumstances.

"I would also encourage anyone with further information to contact their local neighbourhood officers, call 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”

A man, who was arrested on two counts and is from St Helens, has been taken into custody and is being interviewed by police officers.