TWO men have been arrested after officers searched a van in Prescot and recovered a knife and a machete.

At around 2.35am today, Thursday, March 14, officers sighted a Ford Transit van parked outside a disused pub on High Street.

They spoke to the two men in the van and then carried out a search of the van.

During the incident the two police officers were assaulted.

A 32-year-old man from Prescot was arrested on suspicion of possession of bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon, assaulting two police constables and obstruction.

The second man, a 35-year-old from Rainford, was arrested on suspicion of unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle and possession of an offensive weapon.

The two men are currently in custody where they will be questioned.

Both officers suffered minor cuts and bruises and remained on duty.