Man Charged After Running Through Town Centre With Machete

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday, 30th May 2024, at 12:30hrs

A man has been charged after an incident in Burnley Town Centre earlier this week.

It’s alleged that the suspect stole a machete type knife from a local store and then proceeded to run through the town centre, brandishing the weapon before being apprehended by police officers.

In a statement released today, Burnley and Padiham Police said,

“On Tuesday, we told you about a report we had of a man carrying a machete-type knife in Burnley Town Centre, and we want to bring you an update.

Our officers responded to that report, and a 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife / bladed article.

Yesterday, Miles Whitfield, 48, of no fixed address was charged with shoplifting, breach of a criminal behaviour order and possession of a bladed article. He has been remanded to appear at Blackburn Magistrates Court today (May 30)

We know that this may have been alarming for some of you to read. We believe this to be an isolated incident, and there is thought to be no risk to the wider public.

We want to reassure you today that we take these reports very seriously, and you may see additional Neighbourhood Policing Officers in the town centre over the coming days.

If you see our officers out and about, and you have any concerns, please do approach them.

Alternatively, you can call 101.