Man Tasered after attack in police station car park

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said the man had entered the car park Oldham police station on Barn Street just before 10pm on Tuesday (January 4).

He was spotted by an officer who was about to go one patrol in his police vehicle. The man then proceeded to run at the vehicle and attack it while making threats to the officers inside.

A large cordon was put in place across the town centre near to the police station after a vehicle close to the car park was believed to possibly have suspicious items inside it.

The car was inspected by specialist search officers and was found to not contain any items of concern.

A force statement said: “The male was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, assault of a police officer and being found on enclosed premises. During the arrest the male was Tasered.

Chief Superintendent Chris Bowen, commander for  Oldham district, said: “Last night our officers showed immense bravery and quick-thinking by detaining a man so swiftly after threats were being made and a vehicle was attacked as it was about to go on patrol.

“Thankfully, despite being understandably shaken, the officers didn’t sustain any physical injuries and we are doing what we can to support them after this incident.

“Due to suspicions raised based on enquiries made so far, our colleagues from Counter Terrorism Policing North West have subsequently arrested the suspect and are now questioning him under the Terrorism Act.

“While this will cause understandable – and shared – shock and concern in the community, I want to make it clear that there is nothing to so far suggest there is any wider threat to the public, and our officers will continue to be on the front line doing all we can to keep the streets of Oldham safe.”