A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of carrying a knife near the Hotties canal.

Police confirmed they were called to the Sankey Canal, also known as the Hotties, near Watts Clift Way in St Helens at 12.35pm today, Monday, June, 17.

It followed reports a suspect had been seen in possession of a knife.

Unconfirmed reports suggest that a man was threatened after asking to inspect rod licences.

A police spokesman said: "A 51-year-old man was detained nearby on suspicion of possession of a bladed article and affray.

"Nobody was injured and enquiries into the incident are continuing."