Police make arrest amid reports of armed man at shopping mall

A 50-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of possessing a firearm and a blade in a public place.

Lisburn’s Bow Street Mall where a 50-year-old had been arrested after reports of a man who was seen with a gun and a knife (Liam McBurney/PA)

Police have made an arrest after responding to reports of man wielding a gun and knife in a shopping centre.

A 50-year-old man was arrested at Bow Street Mall in Lisburn on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers said the suspect was detained on suspicion of carrying a firearm in a public place and possession of a point or blade in a public place.

He remained in police custody on Tuesday evening.

Lisburn’s Bow Street Mall where a 50-year-old had been arrested after reports of a man who was seen with a gun and a knife in the shopping centre. PA Photo. Picture date: Tuesday February 22 2021. See PA story ULSTER Mall. Photo credit should read: Liam McBurney/PA Wire

Officers received a report of a man acting suspiciously at the mall at 2.45pm.

Lagan Valley MLA Pat Catney said the incident had been frightening for onlookers in the mall.

“This incident at Bow Street Mall was extremely distressing for both shoppers and staff,” said the SDLP representative.

“Nobody should be subjected to this while doing their job or going about their day.

“There is absolutely no place for weapons in our community and I’m glad any weapons recovered during this incident will now be removed from our streets.

“I’d like to commend the efforts of police in bringing this incident to a close without any injuries and I’d ask anyone with any relevant information to come forward and help police with their investigation.”