Weapons have been seized and four men arrested following foot chases through Congleton.

Police were called to John Street at 2.36pm on Thursday (June 26) following reports of four men acting suspiciously, with one of them in possession of what appeared to be an extendable baton.

 Upon arrival the four men fled.

Foot chases ensued with one of the men found in Astbury street, two at Astbury Mere Country Park and the fourth on Crescent Road.

Officers carried out a search of the area where the men had been and discovered a large wooden pole hidden in an umbrella along with metal spikes, which have now been seized.

All four men were subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon but later released without charge.

One of the men, aged 37, was also arrested on suspicion of acquiring criminal property.

He has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Following this incident, officers carried out a weapons sweep of John Street on Friday (June 27).

This resulted in the discovery of an adapted garden tool which police believed had been stored.

It has now been seized to be destroyed and police will continue to patrol the area.