A 34-year-old man has been arrested trying to get into Parklife festival with a huge blade, Greater Manchester Police have confirmed. The inches-long knife was pictured at the Heaton Park festival this evening as revellers continued to stream in and out of the event.
Police were called to reports of a man causing a disturbance as he tried to enter the festival. There has been a heavy officer presence across the festival this weekend.
In images from the incident, the man can be seen being led away in handcuffs. Meanwhile, a police officer holds the large kitchen-style knife.
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In a statement, the force said: "Officers were called to a report of a male causing a disturbance and attempting to enter Parklife festival in Manchester today at 6.30pm (12 June 2022).
"Officers quickly attended the scene and a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon. He remains in custody at this time.
"A large-scale policing operation remains at the festival and throughout the evening with a large number of officers remaining at the event to ensure the safety of all those involved."
The scenes come as police made over 20 arrests on the first day of Parklife, with most being for drug offences. The festival, held at Heaton Park, has been celebrating its first summer time event since the pandemic, with performances from 50 Cent, Lewis Capaldi, Megan Thee Stallion and Tyler, The Creator.
Some 18 of the 26 arrested on day one were for drugs offences. 15 people were arrested for possession with intent to supply while three were arrested for possessing a controlled drug or substance.
Two people were arrested for public order and a further two were apprehended for drunk and disorderly behaviour. One person was arrested for the possession of an offensive weapon while another was detained for immigration.
In addition, one person was arrested for sexual assault and another for common assault.
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